Way to go Kids!

Sunday was the big London derby as the Gunners visited the Bridge and came away with a 1-1 draw. The Arsenal were without some of their top players in Toure, Gallas, Rosicky and Henry, but the young kids did what we all knew they were capable of and played tough, gritty football. The workrate of the squad was similar to the recent Scum match with the players hustling, attacking the ball, limiting Chelsea’s space, and providing nice counter-attack opportunities. There were a few shaky moments and a couple of times players were caught out of position, but they made up for it in the end. Flamini got the Arsenal goal about 10 minutes from full time off some nice touch and go play between himself and Hleb and it seemed the Gunners were going to get all 3 points. Chelsea, however, didn’t give up and poured on the attack. Essien got the tying goal not too long after on a fantastic shot from nearly 35 to 40 yards out. Granted, he should never have gotten the ball as Hleb was fouled by Cole in the buildup to the shot, but the call never came and Essien’s shot was a cracker. That’s football, what are you gonna do? Hleb had another sitter he missed soon after, Chelsea hit the post and some lucky saves were made to keep the match level. Here is a better match description.

I was really pleased, as were most Arsenal fans at the way the team played. It was a great match to watch for the neutrals as well as there was plenty of attack and loads of great play. But, to put a sour note on it all, or at least to try to, jackass Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed that the Gunners came out to only play for a draw and didn’t care about winning. Also, he stated that we were in cahoots with Man U (yeah, right) to help them win the title by limiting Chelsea’s points. Then why did Arsenal score first? What a tool. He couldn’t admit that the Arsenal played well, or that maybe we were even lucky. Once again, the loss of points wasn’t his fault. Florida Gator fans must idolize this guy.

While all this was brewing in west London, West Ham, which is in East London (huh?, I know) sacked their manager Alan Pardew after a 4-0 thumping by Bolton over the weekend. New owner Eggert Magnusson (you gotta see this guy, he really does have an egg head) had enough and wants to make sure his club stays in the Prem to get the big bucks. It is rumored that old Hammer player Alan Curbishley is interested in the job after spending the previous 15 years at Charlton. I’m sure the fans would love to have him back at Upton Park, so we’ll see. Adios Pardew. I guess he isn’t doing any more poncy jigs in front of opposing benches now!

Here in the States, former Gunner Steve Morrow was hired as the new coach for Texas team FC Dallas. Morrow started for the Gunners in 1988 at 17 and played for 10 seasons, getting the game winning goal in the 1993 League Cup final. He then went on to play at QPR then went to Dallas in 2002. After retiring in ’03 due to a neck injury he became an assistant coach and knows the squad well. It will be fun to see what Arsenal influence he brings to the Texas team and how they do. All the best to Steve.

Fianlly, all the recent matches in Europe against different leagues have started to show me how little I know about football and the players outside England. There has also been a lot of discussion on the message boards about world class players and I feel I have a limited knowledge in some of these areas. My attention over the years has been so focused on the Premier League that I feel I’ve been missing out on some great football. This can’t last any longer. Therefore, much the dismay of my wife, I will start watching much more football from other leagues, paying attention to other national squads, and following world football news. I feel I owe it to myself and my 2 readers. I encourage all to take up this challenge as it will make us better people and the world a safer place. At least that’s the tag line I’m using. So subscribe to soccertv.com and set your DVR’s to record the following this week:

Wigan Athletic vs Arsenal (Of course!!!!)
Setanta Sports USA
We Dec 13 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT LIVE

Arsenal vs Portsmouth
Setanta Sports USA
Sa Dec 16 9:45am ET/6:45am PT LIVE

Espanyol vs Real Madrid
GolTV (US)
GolTV Canada
Su Dec 17 1pm ET/10am PT LIVE

Recreativo vs Sevilla
GolTV (US)
GolTV Canada
Su Dec 17 Time TBA (kickoff 11am ET/8am PT)

Fiorentina vs AC Milan
RAI International - North America
TLN - Canada
Sa Dec 16 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT LIVE
GolTV (US)
GolTV Canada
Sa Dec 16 6pm ET/3pm PT SDD *** to be confirmed ***

Inter Milan vs Messina
GolTV (US)
GolTV Canada
RAI International - North America
TLN - Canada
Su Dec 17 9am ET/6am PT LIVE

Roma vs Palermo
RAI International - North America
TLN - Canada
Su Dec 17 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT LIVE
GolTV (US)
GolTV Canada
Su Dec 17 3pm ET/12noon PT SDD *** to be confirmed ***

Mainz vs Bayern Munich
GolTV (US - English and Spanish)
GolTV Canada
Sa Dec 16 9:25am ET/6:25am PT LIVE

Energie Cottbus vs VfB Stuttgart
GolTV (US - English and Spanish)
GolTV Canada
Sa Dec 16 11:30am ET/8:30am PT SDD