Just found this simple but entertaining (and topical) game involving Thierry Henry and his now infamous left hand. It’s all in French, but is pretty self-explanatory, just click on the picture below…

…and then click on “jouer”.

To play, click to wave Thierry’s hand at the balls as they fly down. My best score so far is 38-1. Not bad.

Wow, ok, so the season up to this point has been a little on the disappointing side to say the least as a Liverpool fan.  There have been more episodes of MOTD deleted straight off the Sky Plus box than watched, and to have nothing to play for on Champions League day 6 due to being out is certainly new territory for all of us.  But the season is not a complete disaster zone just yet!! Ok, we are not playing the football we saw last season for the most part and yes we have had a lot of injuries to deal with and that has shown up the lack of depth we have, especially up top.  But I refuse to lie down and die and wait for 2010/11 season to start.  Last weekend Liverpool entered a Merseyside derby for the first time in a while not being the major favourites.  Both sides have been playing some horrific football of late and it was hard to call who was going to win it.  But as the ball deflected off Joesph Yobo’s foot and spun into the bottom corner I couldn’t help thinking is this the turning point ??  After watching the whole game on Sunday there  is no way on this earth Liverpool deserved to win the game and most probably if Mascherano’s shot had not been deflected in I think Everton would have probably gone on and won by 2 or 3 on Sunday.  But it did and they lost 2-0.  Sometimes the luck has to change for a season to be reignited and maybe just maybe Sunday was that day for the Red Men of Liverpool. 

There are some positives to be taken from the season thus far, and some things still to look froward to and challenge for.  Firstly having gone through such a bad time of late we still find ourselves only 3 points from 3rd place.  Ok, Spurs are playing some good football but their lack of ability to beat the top sides (yes I know they beat Liverpool) will ultimately I feel be their down fall again this season, and the Liverpool v Spurs game on Jan 10th will have a massive say on how the top 4 pans out this season.  Arsenal are very in and out at the moment and I am sure this is giving the like of Spurs, Villa and City some confidence about a top 4 finish, but at the end of the day, they don’t seem to be taking the chance that has been presented to them with both hands at the moment, and I feel that Liverpool and Arsenal will occupy the 3rd and 4th places come May.    The title is between Utd and Chelsea for sure, and lets hope the Blue side of London go on and take it (please, please, please).  With Gerrard back and getting stronger, Torres only a game of two away from returning and Aquilani hopefully starting soon, Benayoun and Riera fit again, Liverpool are more than capable of putting a run of 12-15 games together without dropping a point and if this does happen I feel 3rd place where they will finish. 

Europe, well ok, we are out of the Champions League deal with it, move on.  Europa League here we come, surely even playing as they are Liverpool can win this bad boy.  Turning out against teams of postmen and train drivers who are used to playing Everton and Spurs should surely be a breeze for the Reds, but seriously this is an opportunity for a trophy and hopefully Rafa will treat it correctly and we can go on and be the first winners of this new competition.  And then there is the FA Cup,  Reading away to start is not too bad.  Reading are not the side they once were and as decent Liverpool side should progress to round 4 without too much trouble. 

So, even though the season has been a bit of a nightmare so far there is still much to play for this season.  Rafa what ever you think of him good or bad is still the manager and I am quite happy to give him the support he deserves.  He certainly frustrates me at times with his tactical decisions, but he is the man the owners feel is right for the job and I will get behind that and give him my support.  I am feeling much more positive after the weekend but only time will tell if the Mascherano/Yobo goal was the turning point.  Let’s hope it was!!

As usual on the first game of the season I had the typical conversation where myself and a couple of friends predicted who they thought would win the league this season. To my surprise, I was the only one to say Manchester United. Now don’t get me wrong; I in no way want United to win the league, but for me they have to be favourites to once again top the league. In some ways I wish I had posted this earlier, so that my prediction looked more profound in light of current events, but nevertheless here are my reasons for believing United will regain their title:

a) Man United have won the Premier League alot more than any other team. Now I know this is stating the obvious, but I believe it makes a key difference for them as it means they have the experience and mental strength to win another league. How many times have they just powered through the last stretch of the season winning games where others would of drawn or lost? I believe this is due in part to their experience in winning the title before. They know what to do and how to do it.

b) Old Trafford is a fortress. Their ground is possibly the most difficult place to pick up points. However its my conviction that a strong part of this is that teams go to Man United with a mentality that disadvantages them. So many teams play 5 people in midfield and hope for a draw. Very few seem to go to Old Trafford and really attack them. This means that Man United are faced with the task of breaking down a defence which is determined not to let them in; something which they are experts in doing. Sunderland this season and Newcastle last, showed the importance in really attacking United. I believe when it does happen at home, United often don’t know how to respond and are forced into mistakes. Sunderland showed this expertly when they visited recently, particulary in their confidence and time on the ball. With my recommendation that teams attack United more at Old Trafford, some sides will inevtiably get caught on the break and concede goals. But I believe that this will be balanced by teams getting better results against United.

c) They are lucky. United have the uncanny ability to grind out a result when no other team would. Already this season time and time again they have got points when they havent been the better side, scored in the dying minutes of time added on or just been plain fortuante (a good example being Arsenal essetinally beating themselves at Old Trafford, despite outplaying United).  United get lucky were other teams don’t. Call it luck or skill or the way of champions, but the fact remains that they do.

d) They have a very good squad.  Yes they’ve lost Ronaldo.  Yes that has really seen a notable dip, but still the fact remains that Man United have a very strong squad.  They seem to have a key mix between upcoming youngsters, big game players and experienced veterans. 

So for me, it has to be United to win the Prem this league.  So what about the other teams in contention?  Realistically, the way things are at the moment, that would be Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool or Man City.  So I’ll go through why I don’t think it wil be any of them.  Starting of course with my beloveded Arsenal.

Arsenal: Although most followers of the Prem would agree that Arsenal often play the best football, it doesnt always win you titles.  They have already dropped too many points when they have been playing very well, so when their form drops the signs arent good.  Van Persie being out for the rest of the season only compounds this problem.  It would be the equivalent of Chelsea losing Drogba or United Rooney for the rest of the season.

Man City:  Despite an impressive start, the latest form has shown that Man City are still a long way off from winning a league title.  Going forward they look good, but defensively weak.  The team still needs time to gel and the big personalities in the club could well cause problems.

Spurs:  Have had a very good season so far.  They should be considering the level of talent in their squad and with Redknapp behind the helm.  They have also managed to grind out results when they have not been playing well which has seem them secure alot of points putting them into the top four.  However, they still struggle against the top teams and are probably due a bad run of form.

Liverpool: have had an awful start.  However their results against Man United and Everton should be reminders not to write them off.  If they can get a good run they could well be back up there.  However the results over the last few months mean they will be unlikely to win.

Chelsea:  The most serious contenders.  Most of the people I speak to back Chelsea and I can see why.  They have a very strong squad, a world class manager and are playing some very good football.  However, I believe that they are due a bad run of form.  Anything is going right for them at the moment and it will be interesting to see how the team perform under Ancelloti if this happens.  We already know what happens with United under Ferguson: they still get the points they need.  Will this be the same with Chelski?  Add to this the Africans leaving in January to play internationally and this could well weaken the team considerably. 

So, in summary, I believe that Manchester United will once again lift the Prem trophy.  Annoyingly.

James

As Lawrenson has a go every week, I thought I’d have a pop at guessing the weekends results.

1) Blackburn vs Stoke: 3-1 Blackburn.  Although Stoke have been defending well lately and getting goals on the break I reckon Blackburn should outplay them.

2) Aston Villa vs Tottenham: 1-1 draw.  For me this is one of the most interesting fixtures of the weekend.  Both teams have very good squads who are playing well and both are fighting to break into the ‘top four’.  I’ve gone for a draw just cos I think it will be that close.

3) Wigan vs Sunderland: 1-2 Sunderland.  After Wigan’s dismal performance against Spurs they’ll be looking to come back fighting.  Sunderland however will be on a high after beating Arsenal and I reckon that’ll get them the result.

4) Fulham vs Bolton: 2-0 Fulham.  Fulham are looking good this season depsite being lower down in the league.  They are proving tough to play at home and should come away with all three points.

5) Portsmouth vs Man United: 0-4 Man United.  Although I’d love it if Portsmouth won, I just don’t think it will happen.  The club can’t get a result despite playing well and the loss of Hart will of made things worse.  United will also be looking for a good win after losing on Wednesday.

6) West Ham vs Burnley: 0-0 draw.  I’m just having a stab at this one.  West Ham will probably win though.

7) Man City vs Hull: 2-1 City.  After an awful start, Hull are looking better, particulary with the return of Jimmy Bullard.  However City will probably have all guns blazing after some dissapointing draws.  I reckon it will be a close one, but the quality of City’s players will earn them the win.

8 Everton vs Liverpool: 3-1 Liverpool.  This Merseyside derby will be interesting as both teams have seriously underperformed so far.  However Everton don’t look like getting out of it anytime soon where as Liverpool do. 

9) Arsenal vs Chelsea: 2-2 draw.  This game could well be one of the decisive fixtures of the season.  Arsenal are missing lots of key players, notably Van Persie and both first choice left backs where as Chelsea have just got Drogba and Lampard back.  With in this in mind I would opt for a Chelsea win, but Arsenal do have a tendency to pull it out the bag in these big games.  Vermaelen will be key for Arsenal in dealing with Drogba too, so I’m gonna take a stab at 2-2, with a key goal from Arshavin.

10) Wolves vs Birmingham: 2-1 Wolves.  Even though Birmingham have been playing well the last couple of games I reckon the derby might motviate Wolves into getting all three points.

and finally

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 3-2 Madrid.  The most famous match in the world is looking like its gonna be a cracker.  Although it will no doubt be close, I’m gonna go for a Madrid win with lots of goals.  Kaka will probably be the difference between the two sides.

Ok well, lets see how many I get right.  Probably none, but it will make MOTD more interesting for me.

James

As the original intention of this blog was a footballing discussion between an Arsenal and Spurs fan, I felt it was only appropiate that I posted this goal and asked the question: Bad defending or brilliant individual goal?

I’m also aware how annoying posting this video must be too any Spurs fan, but hey, I’m gonna gloat a bit while I can.  Particulary as certain Tottenham fans won’t stop talking about the 9-1 demolition of Wigan on Sunday for months.

But still, what a goal from Cesc. 

James

Found this list online, here, and thought it was interesting. Good for Spurs and Villa fans at least.

The list is correct as of 17/11/09.

Top 20 Teams For Producing England Internationals (all time):

1. Aston Villa – 68
2. Tottenham – 62
3. Everton – 59
4. Liverpool – 58
5. Man United – 57
6. Arsenal – 54
7. Blackburn – 48
8= Man City, West Brom – 42
10= Chelsea, Sheff Wed – 41
12. Nottingham Forest – 37
13. Derby – 36
14= Sheffield United, West Ham – 35
16= Newcastle, Wolves 33
18. Leeds – 30
19. Middlesbrough – 29
20= Bolton / Southampton – 26

This video has become one of the most viewed in the last few days.  My favourite has to be the second tackle.  Whooooooosh.

So its Friday morning and I should be working on important things in the church office, but instead I find myself scanning the internet for news ahead of tomorrow’s North London Derby.  Whilist doing so I can across an article of famous fans from both teams and thought it only appropiate to have a face off.  Who has the best celebrity fans?  Arsenal or Tottenham, Tottenham or Arsenal?

Round 1:

*

First up its overly smug Simon Cowell wannabe Piers Morgan for Arsenal against everybody’s favourite straight talking businessman Sir Alan Sugar for Spurs.

This one is an obvious win for Tottenham.  No questions.  Aint no one gonna mess wit the Sugar, specially when its the hard to like Piers Morgan.

Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

•••••

Round 2:

*

Next up, its former S-Club 7 hottie Rachel Stevens for Arsenal against the former Mrs Liam Gallagher Pansy Kensit for Spurs.

For me, the average man on the street would opt for Stevens everyday.  Even though Kensit seems like a lovely person and Stevens appears to lack a big dollop of charisma, I’m gonna be shallow and go for looks alone.  To which Rachel gets my vote.

Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

•••••

Round 3:

For Arsenal: former Mr Darcy and all round British acting treasure Colin Firth versus ladies favourite Hollywood actor Jude Law for the Spurs.

A tricky one this.  Firth is favourite amongst housewives across the country, whilst most people have a liking for Law.  Purely on the basis that Jude has been a lifelong Spurs fan where as Colin only become a gooner after portraying one in the fil ‘Fever Pitch’, its got to be Law.

Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham

•••••

Round 4:

*

*

For Arsenal: The very loveable, and frankly wasted on the X-Factor, Dermot O’Leary.  For Spurs: Twinkley eyed coffin dodger Bruce ‘Nice to see you to see you nice’ Forsyth.

Although Brucie is a bit of a legend, he is also annoying and a bit too old school.  Where as everyone loves O’Leary.  The man was a legend on Big Brother’s Little Brother and is a fine ambassador for Arsenal football club.

Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham

•••••

Round 5:

For Arsenal: Cheeky chappie, former Jonathan Creek and Stephen Fry wind up merchant Alan Davies.  For Tottenham: Everyone’s favourite, floppy haired posh comedian Michael McIntyre.

A real tough one this.  I’m a big fan of Davies, because of Jonathan Creek and his general brilliantness on QI.  However, you gotta love McIntyre.  The man is a comedy legend.  So its a draw, or as X-Factor would say ‘DEADLOCK’.  I am tempted to go for Davies as he’s more outspoken about supporting Arsenal, but I feel a draw is a fair result.

Arsenal 3-3 Tottenham

•••••

Round 6:

For Arsenal: irritating anarchist and former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon.  For Tottenham: Actor who famously played West Ham supporter Alf Garnett.

Appararently, when he’s not advertising butter or ‘fighting against the system’ Lydon is following the Arsenal.  But he’s still a plum.  So it has to go to Mitchell.

Arsenal 3-4 Tottenham

•••••

Round 7:

For Arsenal: New romantic ‘rocker’s Spandau Ballet.  For Tottenham: Soulful crooner Lemar.

Lemar has the aura of cool about him, where as the Ballet have numbers in their favour.  Purely because of Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley, its got to be Spandau Ballet.

Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham

•••••

Round 8:

So the decider goes down to these two.  For Arsenal: world’s most wanted man and all round Western hating cave dweller Osama bin Laden.  For Tottenham: drummer, musician, slapheaded gentleman.  Its Phil Collins.

When he wasn’t hating the West, bin Laden was enjoying its entertainments and famously went to see Arsenal play twice.  Collins is apparently a lifetime Spurs fan, although i’m pretty sure he also supports about 9 other teams including Man Utd so I’m tempted to go for another draw.  But then I remembered that bin Laden wants me dead where as Collins just wants me to buy his record.  So its has to go to Collins and Spurs.

Arsenal 4-5 Tottenham

So there we have it.  Apparently Spurs have the better celebrity fans.

Ok, so it has not been the best start to the season by a long way, but I am sick and tired of reading on a daily basis people continually ripping into Liverpool and Rafa Benitez.  Yeh we had a good season last year (from a premier league perspective) and yeh we have not had the best of starts to this years campaign, but to continually keep saying they are out of it and then the next week they are back in it is starting to do my head in.  After such a poor start they find themselves only 6 points off the top spot and only 4 point behind Utd, and I know that if they have lost last week they would have been 10 points behind Utd, but they didn’t.   Rafa love him or hate him is doing something right at Anfield, last weekend proved that.  Liverpool were a different level agaisnt Utd and even in the Carling Cup a second string Liverpool looked decent against the Youngsters of Arsenal, which many Premier League first team squads have struggled to do over the last few years.  Yes the Champions League situation does not look good at present but the last time it looked this bleak Old Big Ears was handed over to a Mr Gerrard in Istanbul.  We are not even in November yet, and already the league has been written off 3 or 4 times for Liverpool.  People need to get a grip,  come May when the trophies are handed out I am not saying that it will be passed over to Steven Gerrard to hold above his head, but I am saying that who ever does hold it up will have had to fight off a challenge from the red men of Liverpool.

This Saturday will once again see another North London derby. A fixture which is one of my favourite throughout the year and yet at the same time one that I dread the most.  For the last 10 years, Arsenal have been the favourite to win the derby which means that anything less than this feels like a victory for Spurs.

This Saturday’s derby promises to be one of the most interesting in a long time.  Both teams have strong squads and have kicked off their seasons with a set of impressive results and performances.  Every Arsenal or Spurs fan I speak to at the moment has been looking forward to this game for weeks.

So what will happen at the Emirates?  My prediction is a 2-2 draw.

Why have I gone for a 2-2 draw?  We’ll I’m glad you asked.  There are two main reasons.  First despite having a weakened squad due to the loss of key players such as Defoe, Modric and Lennon and losing to Stoke, Spurs always play out of their ksin in the derby.  I believe this will pull them through to perform well at the Emirates.

Second, although I believe Arsenal should win, particulary as they are in great form and some players have hit good form (such as van Persie, Fabregas and Arshavin), they still have an uncanny ability to make stupid mistakes and throw away wins.

Therefore with these two factors in mind, I’ve opted for a 2-2 draw.  With a controversial penalty decision not given.  Just for fun.

Obviously though, I’m praying for an Arsenal win.  Cos that would be superb.  Adm defintley not a loss as that would result in at least a year of over the top smugness from certain Spurs fans.

James

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Response and Prediction by Simon

I have to say, I find James’ prediction above to be a smidgin generous. I have the sneaking suspicion he is playing it safe going for a draw, but there we go. If I’m honest, I’m not particularly optimistic this year, which is odd given Spurs have done so well so far. Here are some reasons for my lack of optimism:

1. Defoe is missing: while on paper Tottenham have three other international quality strikers, I still think Defoe will be a big loss. Keane’s form has been largely abysmal this year, other than that game where he scored four (obviously). In most games he has simply disappeared, which is worrying. Crouch is great, but he needs a lively strike partner, and Keane is not especially lively right now. As for Pavlyuchenko, he looks about as confident as, well, <this little creature> . With Defoe playing, we would have beaten Stoke; as it was, we didn’t even score.

2. Other Injuries: With Modric and now Lennon missing, as well as Defoe, I wonder where that little spark of magic you need in these games will come from. Bentley? Perhaps, but unlikely. Kranjcar? Well, I’m sceptical. Those three (Modric, Lennon, Defoe) are really the three quickest, most inventive players we have. Without any of them playing the role of catalyst, I’m not sure from where we will get any flashes of genius.

3. Last two performances against top clubs: Excusing the win against Liverpool on the first day of the season, we haven’t looked great against the other top clubs this year. OK, so we’ve only played two others, but in both the Man. Utd and Chelsea games we gave quite disappointing performances. We will need to play very well to get a win, or even a draw, on Saturday.

4. A hunch: I just have a hunch we’ll have a tough day on Saturday. I think the Stoke game may have shaken our confidence, even though we beat Everton midweek. That Stoke game was the first time this year when we’ve been beaten when we should have won. That may mean a tiny bit of insecurity may start to slip in for us, which could be fatal against the Gunners.

All that said, then, my prediction for Saturday is 2-1 to Arsenal.

But I will be delighted if I am proven wrong.

Simon