Odds and Sods

The Kids, they’re alright.  But alright does not win you a title.

Yes, Arsenal got hosed.  Theo Walcott’s coming out party was spoiled by a pathetic penalty decision, a putrid product of the Kop End.  

Stevie G got to grin and smile like he had won the match, though he did everything in his power to lose it by squandering so many possessions.

But, a win would only gloss over glaring problems.  Problems for which Wenger has not had to account.

Why was the squad not strengthened in January?  Arsenal is the fifth wealthiest club in the world, why are they turning a profit in the transfer window?  What future glories are so great that one can pass up a shot at the title or the Champions League?  Why have they gone two months without playing decent football?

Wenger scoffs at the outrageous sums spent for Torres and Babel, yet these are the two players who killed his team’s hopes today.

He seems to have the answers for all of football’s ills, yet sits incredulous when his team – starting a central midfielder and a right back on the wings – struggles to attack the goal.

Wenger may still have a magic hat.  But, when the rabbit repeatedly comes out dead, it begins to lose its effect.

Peter Crouch will still be big with feet that stick out of bed, but he will no longer be red.  The Liverpool striker has acknowledged that he may move elsewhere next season.

Crouch, 27, featured in Rafa’s rotation scheme last season, scoring eighteen goals in 47 appearances.  However, this season Torres’ arrival has marginalized him.  He has scored eight goals in 25 appearances, with just thirteen of the appearances in the league.  Even that number is deceptive, as many of the appearances have come from the bench.

Liverpool have offered the 6′7″ 174lb striker a new contract, but he may feel that both his England future and his sanity require first-team football next season.

Normally seen as a route one option because of his height, Crouch’s ability with his feet is underrated.  Given a regular run of games, he scores goals.

He will arouse interest from many Premier League clubs, as well as a few in Europe.  But, his best fit would probably be at Man City, when the Ronaldinho delusions desist. 

Arsenal Reserves drew Liverpool Reserves 1-1 in a Saturday thriller.  Rafa went with Jermaine Pennant and frisky Peter Crouch.  Arsene started two English lads.  Liverpool should have put the match away earlier.  Crouch had a brilliant effort saved.  Riise missed a sitter with his footballingly handicapped foot.  Benayoun missed another.  Even with United’s draw, the match killed Arsenal’s minute title hopes.  See you at Anfield for round three.

Middlesbrough retained the title of big club bully by holding Man United 2-2 at the Riverside.  Sir Alex sent out a stronger side than at midweek.  They got outplayed.  Alfonso Alves at last lived up to his transfer fee, scoring two.  Had they a competent partner rather than Aliadiere they would have had at least two or three more goals.  Ferdinand looked flummoxed without Vidic at his side.

Aston Villa blew out Bolton 4-0.  England cuspers Gareth Barry and Gabby Agbonlahor served up three with a cherry from Marlon Harewood.  Bolton’s defending was dreadful.  Davies and Diouf did not communicate.  The Wanderers look doomed.

Sunderland beat Fulham 3-1, in a relegation six-pointer.  The win puts Sunderland on 36 points, 10 points clear.  Fulham remain on twenty-four with fate fast approaching.  Brian McBride can count to infinity twice, but it won’t keep Fulham up.  All credit should go to Roy Keane for the wonders he’s done with the worst squad in the League besides Derby.

Liverpool and Arsenal had an Oscar and Felix feel.  Both clubs are each other’s bogey teams.  Arsenal’s Frenchified fancy dans cannot break down disciplined defenses and remain prone to adept counterattack.  Lump and pray Liverpool struggle when forced to play chess on the ground rather than checkers in the air.  The clash can create soccer nirvana or reaming vulgarity.  This 1-1 draw had a bit of both.

If a side should feel aggrieved, it is Arsenal.  They dictated the second half, only to shoot blanks.  The Carragher rules apply to Dirk Kuyt, who pulled Hleb down in the penalty area without reprimand.  Kuyt also picked this one match to maraud around the pitch like a crazed baboon, rather than remain oblivious.  The match could hinge on the Pool’s away goal.

Apparently, Avram Grant rowing down the straits on his sinister raft of skulls failed to shock the obstinate Turks, as Fenerbahce beat Chelsea 2-1.  The Dark Lord has vowed “not to rest” until the rematch next Tuesday, because he looked like he was sleeping well before.  The match is more tabloid fodder than demonstrative, however.  Expect Chelsea to close them out 1-0 next week at Stamford Bridge.

Roma tumbled without their talisman Francesco Totti, beaten 2-0 by Manchester United.  The two teams play a similar style, but United is the seven diamond version.  Isn’t Rooney overdue for his bi-monthly metatarsal injury

Arsenal beat Bolton 3-2 at the Reebok, keeping mathematical title hopes alive. The Gunners, with 10 men on the pitch, scored three goals to reverse a 2-0 deficit. Diaby deserved his red card for raised studs. Poor fortune averaged itself through an unmarked corner, a penalty and a deflection.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world right now. He scored one, set up three and could have had two more as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 4-0 to retain a five point clearance. Rooney should have had four goals, only managed a brace. Had Maloney made use of his attempts, it could have been closer, but Villa got played off the pitch.

Newcastle are charging toward the top half, with a 4-1 defeat of Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Both teams forsook caution with 4-3-3 formations, but it was Newcastle that capitalized on their chances. Obafemi Martins looked light and rejuvenated.

It was another muck of Merseyside Derby, as a fortunate Torres gift gave Liverpool the 1-0 victory over Everton. The Champions League six pointer pushed Liverpool ahead by five points.

No tan from standing

in the English rain, many

bald spots exposed though