OVER the past couple of months, I have witnessed football in all four divisions in England and hopped across to Spain to catch a Champions League tie involving Chelsea and Valencia. As well as the contrast in climate – it … Continue reading From Valencia to Crewe – a search for authenticity
IT WAS one of those nights that explained why the UEFA Champions League can be so marvellously captivating. Valencia hosted Chelsea amid the soaring shabby chic splendour of the Mestalla stadium, 43,000 spectators perched on the precipice, bathed in the … Continue reading Valencia v Chelsea: Mild magnificence in the Mestalla
PERHAPS Chelsea’s season will be tougher than their 5-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers might have suggested. In a fortnight’s time, should Frank Lampard’s young team lose in the Eurostar city of Lille, they may get a chance to defend their … Continue reading Chelsea’s lack-lustre CL return – now the task looks harder
CAN ANYONE end Barcelona’s recent dominance of La Liga? After a summer of big signings and the announcement of record revenues, Barca look stronger than last year and with Real Madrid enduring a miserable pre-season and Atlético Madrid in transition, … Continue reading La Liga: Barcelona may be even stronger
IF ever a sport reflected a certain disconnect with its audience, it is surely football. Wages continue to climb, the big clubs remain cash cows and the competitive imbalances that have plagued the game for the past decade show little … Continue reading The catalyst for modern football? The financial crisis of 2008
About 10 minutes before he scored Arsenal’s first goal, Yaya Sanogo didn’t look to have much to offer. A little clumsy, lacking pace and his first touch looked suspect. By the end of the Emirates Cup day one, he had bagged four goals as Arsenal beat Benfica 5-1. The Emirates Cup does not really provide much of a pointer to the way the season will shape-up, but it does allow Arsenal to unveil their new signings and direct their fans towards their merchandising outlets and pick-up their new shirt for the forthcoming campaign. The way Arsenal played will have sent … Continue reading Emirates Cup: Sanogo’s your man, Arsene….or is he?
