bad week for the gooners

Well I was saying that Arsenal might suffer a reaction after that disinterested performance they put in against Man U in the FA Cup on the basis that once momentum is lost it is hard to turn on great performances just like that. Their overall game against AC Milan in mid-week actually looked alright but they ended up with a goalless draw and the away match will be difficult for them. Yesterday they had one of those games against Birmingham City and again came away with a draw. But they lost more than 2 points of course. That dreadful tackle, which was more clumsy than malicious I think, has robbed them of an in-form player for the rest of the season. That was bad enough but they seemed to lose their cool too yesterday – understandably upset at the injury to Eduardo and increasingly frustrated by some of the decisions that went against them yesterday. Although they remain 3 points clear at the top of the table, they had a resigned, losing look about them. That said I was pleased to hear that Wenger had modified his immediate post-match comments about Taylor. That was appropriate.

the big one

If you’re a football fan you’ll appreciate that today’s one of the big derby days in world football. It could be Man U v City or Inter v AC but it’s not. Nor is it Liverpool v Everton, Celtic v Rangers, Real v Athletico, River Plate v Boca nor even Sheff Wed v the Blades. However the last one is closer in terms of playing level. If you know my footballing passions you’re probably guessed it by now; it’s the first clash of the NW Lancs titans as Blackpool visit Preston for the first match up between the sides in years. I know you’re all relishing the fixture too….