Champions League Rematches

If you like rematches, no, sorry, redemolitions, then this Champions League draw is for you. At first glance, Barca vs. Arsenal is an intriguing encounter. Sure, the two sides will provide beautiful football and Barca is likely to provide the joy they did when hosting Real Madrid but is there any question of who will win this tie? Now, if Arsenal pull off a shock, I'll look like an idiot for saying this, but, they should provide the Catalans with the least trouble of anyone Barca could have faced. An AC Milan fixture, for example, would have left Barca trying break down one of Europe's best defenses. Arsenal, though will try to beat the Spaniards at they're own game. Unless Arsene Wenger decides to make a shocking change of tactics, his side has no hope. Here are my grades and predictions for these fixtures:

Valencia vs. Schalke 04

Grade: B-

Prediction: Valencia 2-1 Schalke 04

Neither of these sides interest me with their quality but the talent levels here are very similar. They should provide an even encounter but the Spanish side will look to start well at the Mestalla.

AC Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Grade: A

Prediction: Tottenham 5-4 AC Milan

These sides are so different yet so similar in quality. Spurs will need to keep up with Milan at the San Siro and get at least a draw or else the Italians will pack it in during the return. However, if Spurs can keep up in Italy, Milan will be susceptible to the speed of Bale and Lennon on the flanks if they go for the win.

AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Grade: C+

Prediction: Roma 4-0 Donetsk

Shakhtar had a nice group stage but this is where luck runs out for the Ukrainians. Roma is far better as they showed against Bayern Munich. A 3-0 win at home will put this one to bed before half-time of leg 1.

Arsenal vs. Barcelona

Grade: A-

Prediction: Barca 7-1 Arsenal

This will be beautiful but not competitive. Arsenal will be edged at the Emirates before being horribly exposed in Spain.

Copenhagen vs. Chelsea

Grade: B

Prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Copenhagen

The Blues should have no trouble here unless their poor form is permanent. The Danes could keep it close at the Parkon Stadion but Ancelotti's triple threat should do them in at the bridge.

Lyon vs. Real Madrid

Grade: B

Prediction: Madrid 4-2 Lyon

Lyon is a good side and Madrid have 2nd round issues but the new class of Whites should do away with the side that disposed of them a year ago. 2-1 in both legs.

Marseille vs. Manchester United

Grade: A

Prediction: Marseille 2-1 Man United

This is my upset pick. The French side is very talented and could take a lead to Old Trafford. If they do, they can hold out.

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich

Grade: A+

Prediction: Bayern 4-3 Inter

Munich will not pass up this chance for revenge. They might fall behind in Italy but they should make everything right in Germany by putting Inter back in their place at the Allianz.

Now that you've read my predictions, make yours!

A Disgrace to Football

Before I start my rant about you-know-where, I will congratulate Russia. They put in a very good bid and are an increasingly football-crazy country (or continent, if you prefer). They went to the semis of Euro 2008 and are creating a wealth of new talent. This shows by the fact that they actually had a FOOTBALLER (Andrey Arshavin) representing their FOOTBALL World Cup bid in Zurich on Thursday.

Well, come to think of it, every country in 2022 did too--Lucas Neill (Australia), Landon Donovan (US), Ji-Sung Park (South Korea), and Keisuke Honda (Japan). That is, except for you-know-where. If the 10 reasons that I'm about to list for why you-know-where shouldn't host the World Cup, this one should be good enough. An obscenely fat oil-rich guy with a hideous mustache and crooked, yellow teeth who pays under the table bribes to another obscenely fat rich guy from Switzerland (Sepp Blatter) does not, in any way, represent the beautiful game.

Oh, and here are the 10 other reasons: 120-degree weather, ridiculous promises (see edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/12/02/qatar.world.cup.stadiums/), a country that has badminton on their TVs instead of Holland vs. Denmark in the World Cup (I was there), a football team ranked 113th that has never come close to qualifying for a world cup, the worst striker in the history of football (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfWJdjUvonU&feature=related), no real domestic league, the country is a dust bowl, it's the size of Connecticut, the airport has no hope of handling 1 million tourists, and the people are surly.

Sure, the US probably wouldn't have been that great of a choice, but how can you pick Qatar over the Aussies (hint: bribes)? Look out for a failure in 2022.

The European Situation

After 4 months of football all over Europe, some things are becoming clear and I can evaluate the situation in the Champions League as well as the EPL and La Liga. We start with the Champions League and it's Spanish dominance.

Group A: Tottenham and Inter Milan are through in this group but what does the future hold for the duo? Well, the winner will most likely face a side they will be favored to defeat with the exception of a possible fixture against Arsenal. The runner-up will face a much sterner challenge against a club from Europe's elite such as Barcelona, Man U, Chelsea, or Real Madrid. However, first place is a toss up as the two sides are only separated by a goal difference of 3 in favour of Tottenham. Both sides are away, where neither have found a win. However, Inter faces last place Bremen, who they should beat. Spurs could draw at the Dutch champions, Twente. My prediction:

1. Inter-13 pts

2. Tottenham-11 pts

3. Twente-6 pts

4. Bremen-2 pts

Group B: Schalke and Lyon are in control of this group despite Benfica having a chance. The Portuguese outfit need a win while hosting 1-point leaders Schalke. However, my prediction is a draw. Now, this doesn't mean Lyon will win the group. Expect a resurgent Hapoel side to surprise the French at home while fighting for a Europa League berth. The Israelites have 4 points from their last two after losing their first 3. Meanwhile, Lyon have back-to-back losses (both away from home, though). My predictions call for a 2-0 Hapoel shocker in France:

1. Schalke-11 pts

2. Lyon-9 pts

3. Hapoel-7 pts (-1 GD)

4. Benfica-7 pts (-4 GD)

Group C: This group looks straight-forward, barring a Valencia upset at the Theatre of Dreams. These aren't even predictions, just stating the facts:

1. Man U-16 pts

2. Valencia-10 pts

3. Rangers-8 pts

4. Bursaspor-0 pts

Group D: BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! That is the direction this group is headed, despite two away draws from the Catalans. Second place would be interesting but Rubin Kazan, who trail Copenhagen by one point have an assured death in a week in a half--a.k.a: a trip to the Camp Nou.

1. Barcelona-14 pts

2. Copenhagen-10 pts

3. Rubin Kazan-6 pts

4. Panathinaikos-2 pts

Group E: This group is the classic no-draw 12-9-6-3 group. 6-point Basel would be in with a chance to overtake 9-point Roma but they have a killer fixture at the Allianz while the Italians face Cluj-Napoca. My predicitions:

1. Bayern Munich-15 pts

2. Roma-12 pts

3. Basel-6 pts

4. Cluj-Napoca-3 pts

Group F: This group is over, nothing is left here. Because of this, though, expect some exciting football. With Chelsea's poor run of form and 4 points from a possible 15 in the EPL this month, Marseille could pull a shocker while hosting the English champions. Sorry, Zilina, no shocker for you. A drubbing at home is on the cards for the Slovaks.

1. Chelsea-15 pts

2. Marseille-12 pts

3. Spartak Moscow-9 pts

4. Zilina-0 pts

Group G: This is another case of "over". Madrid 1st, Milan 2nd, Ajax 3rd, and Auxerre 4th--because they're facing Madrid.

1. Madrid-13 pts

2. Milan-9 pts

3. Ajax-5 pts

4. Auxerre-3 pts

Group H: In Group H, we have competition. An epic collapse from Arsenal has cost the Gunners 1st place and maybe even a spot in the elimination stages. Their last 2 games, both away, have ended in 2-1 and 2-0 losses to Shaktar Donestk and Braga respectively. 3 points behind Shaktar, 1st place is nearly out of reach, but, due to goal difference, advancing is in the Gunners hands. Luckily for Arsene Wenger, his side will play at the Emirates, where they boast a 11-1 advantage in the UCL. Also, they host point-less Partizan Belgrade. Meanwhile, Braga would be out even with a victory if Arsenal win.

1. Shaktar-13 pts

2. Arsenal-12 pts

3. Braga-10 pts

4. Partizan Belgrade-0 pts

Now that we have looked through the Champions League, I will quickly review the situation in Spain after el Classico.

Barca look simply unstoppable in La Liga. The Catalans have fended off every tough opposition until they face Valencia in March. Perfect in the league since early October, there is no doubt the Catalans will finish in the top 2. Also, as they proved with a stunning performance in a phenomenal 5-0 thrashing of Madrid, they will most likely see off the Whites for the 3rd year running. At this point, I wouldn't bet against the best team in the world.

In the EPL, we have an interesting race developing with the failure of Chelsea in November. 4 points from 15 while Man U were 11 from 15 in that stretch thanks to 5-goal Berba, who joined the likes of Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, and Jermain Defoe as EPL strikers who have found the net 5 times in one match. Arsenal stay in third (only behind Chelsea on goal difference) because they haven't taken advantage of the Blues the way United have. The Gunners have only taken 9 points from the last 15 due to being profligate at the Emirates. Luckily, Fulham should give them 3 points before they face Man U and Chelsea in December. Even Man City are in with a chance (5 points back) and Spurs (6 points back) have a shot, or at least according to Harry Redknapp.

Torres Rescues Arsenal

Fernando Torres has saved Liverpool and Arsenal, along with aiding Manchester United. The out-of-form striker scored two beautifully worked goals for the Reds as he single-handedly gave Chelsea it's second loss of the campaign. His 11th minute goal was courtesy of a delightful chip over the top from Dirk Kuyt. The Spaniard then brought the ball down to his feet as if his Adidas boots had magnets on them and volleyed on the bounce over Petr Cech. Torres' second was perhaps the more impressive as Raul Meireles took advantage of an Ashley Cole slip and played a ball through to the Liverpool number 9 on the edge of the penalty area. Torres then cut Branislav Ivanovic before curling a stunner off the far post, leaving Cech with no chance.

This result leaves an interesting situation in the EPL title race. Man U have been given a great boost thanks to Ji-Sung Park's heroics against Wolves while Arsenal and Chelsea find themselves just the same as they were 3 days ago. If Sir Alex Ferguson's men keep winning, they will be within a match come the holiday season. The Gunners, meanwhile, are still in the running, thanks to Chelsea being stopped by Fernando T. It is very likely that the North-Londoners won't drop points in the next month but they didn't look like title contenders today and they must improve their form if they want to win their first EPL at the Emirates.

Also, after Chelsea's loss coupled with Mario Balotelli's heroics, we can't count out Man City. After another week of football we all have Fernando Torres to thank for a wide open title race.

Can Chelsea be Caught?

We have 28 matchdays left to enjoy this campaign. However, a question soon arises when you think about this. Are we wasting our "TV time" or can Chelsea be stopped? The Blues next 6 games shouldn't trouble them as their toughest match looks to be at St. James' Park, where they face 7th placed Newcastle. 18 points there and the blues could have up to an 11 point lead over Man U and Arsenal as the Red Devils visit Villa Park and the City of Manchester while the Gunners also travel to Villa Park as well as hosting Spurs. As long has Chelsea hasn't run away from the pack, an important stretch of matches follows during the holiday season as the top 3 enjoy a round-robin-like fixture list. The trio matches are as follows:

Chelsea Arsenal Man U

Dec 11-12 @ Tottenham @ Man U vs Arsenal

Dec 18-19 vs Man U vs Stoke @ Chelsea

Dec 25-26 @ Arsenal vs Chelsea vs Sunderland

First let's look at week one. The Blues travel to the lane, clearly the hardest match not in the round-robin. While Arsenal and United have near-certain 3 points when hosting Stoke and Sunderland, respectively, Chelsea could easily drop points. Spurs haven't lost to the Blues at White Hart Lane since August 27, 2005. Arsenal's trip to the theatre of dreams is vital towards their title challenge. If Chelsea drop points at Spurs, the winning side in Manchester will be within a game of the Blues. Unfortunately for United, the next week could end their season as Chelsea's home form has been immaculate. Barring an upset at SW20, Arsene Wenger's men will face a must-win at the Emirates, a ground where the Gunners haven't beaten their rivals since 2007. Depending on the results during this holiday stretch, the title race could be on or off heading into the climax of the campaign.

However, the question is still the same: Can the Blues even lose?, because the truth is, they need to.

Gunners Gone?

Are the Gunners out is the question that arises in North London after Chelsea's undeserving victory over Arsenal. The Blues fully deserved their lead at the break as Sebastien Squillaci fell asleep on the job with the ever-clinical Didier Drogba waiting. However, the Gunners were far more enterprising in the second period as Jack Wilshere looked lively, dropping a lovely return ball for Marouane Chamakh in the 58th minute, only for the ex-Bordeaux man to enter dancing with stars, losing out in the final to Ramires. The Moroccan then went to Hollywood but his acting was not good enough for Mike Dean. The Gunners really should have been level either then or when Samir Nasri's stunning run ended in a defense cutting through ball. However, Chamakh was again to blame as he let up on the ball allowing Petr Cech to gather way too easily. Arsenal were still in with a fighting chance though until Alex ripped a 30-yard free kick to the left of the wall with a level of spin capable of sending the T-90 into the upper right corner a.l.a Roberto Carlos. The clueless Pole Lucasz Fabianski looked clueless as ever as he watched the Brazilian's rocket. So yes, the question arises, and my answer is, unless they grab some points against the Blues, United, City, and Spurs, yes the Gunners are gone. 

Meanwhile, the question for Roy Hodgson led Liverpool is are they gone? By that I mean gone from the Premiership. After the shock defeat at the hands of Blackpool, some would say yes and they have a point. The Reds are sorely lacking attacking options. They've got the attacking midfielders in Babel, Kuyt, and Gerrard but those guys aren't showing the goals. Gerrard and Torres used to combine to be a scoring a machine but Stevie G isn't much without his pal. They have virtually no hope of the Champions League--mid table is the place for the Reds. 

After Spurs' convincing 2-1 win over Villa they look very likely to take that 4th Champions League spot as the Villa-O'neill-Houllier debacle doesn't look Champions League worthy. Meanwhile, City look very worthy as they look solid against troubling opposition. It is the way they treat lesser opponents that worry's me. They've got to put Blackburn and Sunderland away and Mancini needs to prepare the Citizens for everyone equally. So the big 3, Spurs, and City look set to challenge, Blackpool's lively start will end up like Hull in 08-09, and West Ham is all but relegated--in October (that's Derby like).

See ya after Euro!

Premiership back in action, World back to normal

Well, the world is back to same old, same old for 46 months--that is with the exception of Blackpool. Hardly anything has changed--Chelsea started where they left off with Drogba grabbing his hat-trick and the Blues made 14 in their last two at the bridge. 

Bolton and Fulham provided yet another dull 0-0 draw as Spurs and City had the same score in a far different encounter. The Londoners dominated as they looked worthy of once again hitting cloud 9. However, the Citizens proved you need heart (or perhaps Hart) to compete. 

Birmingham and Sunderland provided a mistake-ridden affair with an own goal and a red card as both unfortunate men were included in my cellar-dweller fantasy team. Stoke and Wolves provided much of the same as everyone other than free-kick genius David Jones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WenS5Z9dMb8) bored the supporters at the Molineux. 

Tim Howard did something that was very reminiscent of his opposite number on June 12. He dropped the ball right on to Nikola Kalinic's boot as he gifted Rovers 3 points and the Serb his first goal of the campaign. The toffees then dominated but it was not enough on Bolton Road as Blackburn beat Everton 1-0. Meanwhile, Rob Green himself was on hand to gift Aston Villa 3 goals (including James Milner's last in Claret and Blue) as West Ham find themselves in the bottom three early on. It was just a bit north at the JJB where the Tangerines of Blackpool found themselves atop the Premier League for the first time since 1957. Journeyman, Marlon Harewood was happy just to have an employer a month ago, now he is on the EPL top scorers list.

On Sunday, Roy Hodgson took the Anfield chair for the first time and he couldn't have been pleased when summer signing Joe Cole was sent off late in the first half. However the old Fulham boss must have been thrilled when David N'gog put the Reds in front with his ferocious strike. Despite being a man up it wasn't until stoppage time when Marouane Chamakh chested off the post and Pepe Reina fumbled into his own net that the Gunners got things level. After the goal, Laurent Koscielny got himself a debut red as the Gunners head back to the Emirates with a point.

That's it for this week (unless your interested in Man U's what will be demolition of Newcastle tomorrow). See ya next time!

World Cup Review: Stars, Faliures, and Jabulanis from South Africa 2010

Well, the world cup is over and it will be considered a failure in years to come. That is outside of Madrid and Auckland. I now provide you with how the 32 teams either succeeded or failed, the best 11 and worst eleven, and 3 highs and lows from South Africa.

How the Countries came out (in order):

Better:

Spain

New Zealand

Germany

The Netherlands

Ghana

Uruguay

Paraguay

Slovakia

USA

Japan

Same:

South Korea

South Africa

Mexico

Slovenia

Chile

Portugal

Argentina

Australia

Denmark

Switzerland

Greece

Serbia

Worse:

Algeria

England

Honduras

Ivory Coast

North Korea

Nigeria

Brasil

Cameroon

Italy

France

Best 11:

Manager: Joachim Loew (Germany)

GK: Iker Casillas (Spain)

DEF: RB: Sergio Ramos (Spain) CB: Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand) CB: Carles Puyol (Spain) LB: Philip Lahm (Germany)

MID: DM: Xavi (Spain), RM: Thomas Mueller (Germany), LM: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), AM: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)

ATT: RF: Diego Forlan (Uruguay), LF: David Villa (Spain)

Honorable Mention: GK: Eduardo (Portugal), DEF: Maicon (Brasil), MID: Mesut Ozil (Germany), Andres Iniesta (Spain), ATT: Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Worst 11:

Manager: Raymond Domenech (France)

GK: Rob Green (England)

DEF: RB: Ricardo Osorio (Mexico), CB: John Terry, CB: William Gallas (France), LB: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Cameroon)

MID: RM: Jesus Navas (Spain), CM: Ricardo Clark (USA), CM: Felipe Melo (Brasil), LM: Michel Bastos (Brasil)

ATT: RF: Fernando Torres (Spain) LF: Nicholas Anelka (France)

Not so Honorable Mention: GK: Faouzi (Algeria), DEF: Patrice Evra (France), MID: Johan Gourcuff (France), Genaro Gettuso (Italy), ATT: Dong Gook (South Korea)

Now 3 of the most aggravating and disappointing things from South Africa coupled with the three best. 

1. A final to remember (only in Madrid): When even Spain can't get five passes together, you know there's something wrong. And on July 11th there was. Spain surpassed their total of yellow cards for the entire rest of the cup, picking up 5, while the record 7  yellow cards brandished in the 1990 final were surpassed by one team (the Dutch) who found themselves being cautioned 9 times by referee Howard Webb. Oh, and Nigel De Jong finally won the gold medal in his fantasy profession of Kung-Fu (while winning the silver at his actual job).

2. Half-empty stadiums: While the people of South Africa provided a spectacle like none other, the country could not fill stadiums. It may have been in Port Elizabeth but still when is it that at a Brasil-Netherlands quarter-final you find yourself with 20 empty seats on either side of you before some screaming Oranje supporters in section 336. The next day I found myself dumbstruck once again when me and my dad only managed $350 for 2 Category one tickets to see Germany vs Argentina (perhaps Mr. Tickets, tickets, anyone got tickets hasn't heard of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona).

3. The Jabulani: On July 10th I would have said "it's round, it bounces, and it flies" but now I know that's not true. After 10 minutes with the Jabulani I can verify it is not round, it does not bounce properly, and it does not curve in the manner of a proper ball (e.g. the T-90). So I can now say "it isn't round, it doesn't bounce, and it doesn't fly".

Now the good:

1. The beautiful game won: Despite the disgraceful final, which included 14 yellow cards, the most football-friendly team emerged victors. With approximately 824,792,341 passes per game no one can doubt Spain was the funnest (if not most aggravating) team to watch.

2. Ghana: The Black Stars brought an entire continent together. All those wars around Africa stopped--for 150 minutes. After Asamoah Gyan volleyed past Tim Howard and I sunk to the floor in dismay and the thousands around me began to party. As I sunk to the ground at the final whistle the streets of Cape Town were being paraded throughout the night. On the eve of Brasil's exit, I was however, a Black Star myself. I joined Serbians and Australians in supporting Ghana--it didn't matter they eliminated us.

 3. The France debacle (and Mr. Goodluck Jonathan): It was the most hilarious and shocking thing I have ever seen. It caused jubilation in Hout Bay, though as Bafana Bafana grabbed three points from Les Disgrace. However, that wasn't what I enjoyed. What I enjoyed were the Cape Town papers the next day as Monsieur Raymond Domenech was labeled a bespeckled nincompoop. But comedy was still to be had as bad luck fell upon Goodluck after he banned the Nigerian national team from international competition for two years. Sepp Blatter then decided with his gap between the ears that the super-eagles were to be given a Chile-type treatment and be removed from FIFA unless Goodluck withdrew his ban.

So, now we can say maybe South Africa wasn't a failure after all.

Top Squads Disappoint in Friendlies

Yes, Germany won 24-0. Oh, and they defeated Hungary 3-0. England bagged 3 against Mexico. However, those successes were overwhelmed by embarrassment. It started with poor Portugal. 

They don't look so prepared for the group of death as their 0-0 draw with the Cape Verde Islands (114) was far overshadowed by Brasil's thumping victory over 42-ranked Ireland. The Portuguese might even have troubles with the 105th-ranked Korea DPR if they play like they did in Covilha. 

The Socceroos of Australia also faltered on that day with a 90th minute strike salvaging a victory over lowly rivals New Zealand. When the all-whites take a lead into half-time against you, you know you've got a problem. The New Zealanders caused another shock last night when they defeated No. 15 Serbia. The Oceanian side even dominated as Serbia have some work to do before facing fancied Ghana in Pretoria.

Under-protest Cameroon could only salvage a draw in their fixtures at Georgia and Slovakia. They also will have to endure a tough group before possibly facing Italy in the second round. 

The French also fared poorly as they were dismantled by Spain before narrowly defeating Costa Rica. However, their enemies in the Republic of Ireland have done better, dismantling Algeria after claiming their first World Cup scalp in Paraguay. North Korea have also fared well in the qualifiers as they drew both Greece and South Africa. However, their opponents have been disappointing as the hosts are sure to be upset with a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in addition to their North Korean disappointment. With Greece's other match a 2-0 loss to Senegal it looks as if the Greeks will have a tough time in Group B.

Another disappointing squad is Spain as they could only manage a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia thanks to Fernando Llorente's extra-time strike.

Do you think these top squads can improve by June 11?

Fulham Heartbreak, Athletico Glory

Fulham have played 63 games this season. 19 of those in the Europa League. They won 11, drew 5, and lost 3. At the beginning of this decade, they were a League 2 side, in 17th place. Their supporters would have been thrilled to be in the Championship. On Wednesday, they were 93 minutes from Champions League football. They had played 1,737 minutes in the Europa League--93 was a small number. 

Then there was Diego Forlan (and Sergio Aguero). His Athletico side have played 9 Europa League games this campaign, winning a mere two. At the beginning of the season they were in the Champions League group stage and fourth in La Liga. There fans knew they would be playing an English side in a European final. However, they thought that would be Manchester United at the Bernabeu. Not Fulham at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

However, Athetico-Fulham it was. And it was a classic. Fulham were playing like rivals Chelsea, passing the ball around the pitch and making Athletico look like Getafe. Then in the 10th minute Danny Murphy touched the ball. A Madrid were suddenly R Madrid and Fulham were Charlton. Zoltan Gera was having a run down the flank and Murphy turned Madrid center-back. He made a goal saving tackle on the Hungarian, then brilliantly played a through ball to Diego Forlan, who agonizingly played the ball onto Schwartzer's left post. He then made amends as he ended Aguero and Simao's 1-2 by deflecting the former's shot past the Australian's outstreched left hand. That goal, though was an invitation for Fulham to come dominate--and indeed they did, for 60 minutes. In the fifth minute of that stretch Bobby Zamora had a brilliant run down the left before darting into the box and--clearing it. However, his appeared clearance only found it's way to Damien Duff, who played a through ball to Gera. The ex-West Brom man then threaded a brilliant through ball to Madrid defender Paulo Assuncao, who nicely laid the ball into the path of Simon Davies. The Welshman said thank you very much and smashed the ball past David De Gae's near post. Forlan and Davies then had their goal like moments but both keepers did well to save identical near-post half-volleys. Fulham continued to dominate but the match was destined for extra-time from when Gera misplayed a brilliant through ball from Paul Konchesky into De Gae's arms. However, destined for extra-time did not mean destined for Fulham. 

The first period was uneventful as both clubs seemed to wait for the lottery of penalties. However, Forlan had other ideas. In the 105th minute he darted down the left side, and played a pull-back very similar to the one that would soon haunt Fulham. However, ex-Sevilla playmaker, Raul Garcia thought that you must be South American to score for Athletico in the Europa League as he passed up an open goal to drop the ball back to Aguero, who had already started his sprint into Mark Schwartzer's upright. The second period brought better play from the West London side as Erik Nevland and Clint Dempsey continuously found themselves inches away from Simon Davies' through balls. However, these brought bad fortune for Fulham after one Athletico clearance in the 117th minute found Aguero who burned Ireland's Chris Baird before putting his pull back into the path of Forlan. The Uruguayan then prodded the ball through mammoth Norwegian Brede Hangeland's legs, beating Schwartzer at his far post.

 Fulham hearts sank after 1,740 minutes. Athletico ones rose after 870. Now, you tell me, in the 115th minute, did you think it was to be or not to be for Fulham?

Chelsea Champions!

Chelsea are Champions. Coming into the week many might have said "United have got a 30% chance" but I knew better. Chelsea were never going to drop points against Wigan. I repeat: Wigan Athletic. We're talking about a side who was facing relegation from the fourth division of English football at the turn of the century. This side has lost two games by eight goals this season. 

However, despite the fact that Chlesea was hosting Wigan, the soon-to-be champions started in a really disappointing manner. The first goal was clearly offside but I guess Martin Atkinson didn't wan't Blues fans throwing coins at him so he shockingly allowed it. Then Wigan threatened but Hugo Rodegella and Charles N'Zogbia appeared to think you scored by hitting the ball at least ten meters wide. It was a cynical display of dreadfulness from the Wigan front-line and they were made to pay. Immediately after the N'Zogbia miss, Salomon Kalou had a dazzling run down the middle and played a brilliant through-ball to Lamps. Gary Caldwell then decided he was going to switch professions and he really did his Rugby job quite nicely. However, the groundscrew at the Bridge forgot to make the pitch rugby-ready and Caldwell was promptly sent-off. Lampard converted and then Chelsea became Barcelona-esc as Kalou and Ashley Cole found there way on the score-sheet and Anelka found his brace. Drogba also promptly hit a treble in a mere 17 minutes to complete Chelsea's 8.

On some other BPL notes, United crushed Stoke as Rooney limped off injured, causing a doubt for England. Another 4-0 match was at the Emirates as Fulham fielded 8-reserves, Shwartz, Pantsil, and Dempsey prior to their Europa League final on Wednesday. Spurs were brilliant in the first half at Turf Moor and then Redknapp decided to start resting players for the Champions League 3 months in advance. Spurs lost 4-2. Villa and City also dropped meaningless points as 2nd-string sides were facing each other all over England.

It was a boring last day, but the title-contenders did manage to score 12. 

With the Europa League final coming up on Wednesday, what are your thoughts, can Roy Hodgson and his troops cause Europe's biggest shock since Porto '04 or will Forlan and Aguero be too much?

Spurs in the Champions League!

Well, as you all know, Wednesday's fixture at the Eastlands was the play-in game for the Champions League. I couldn't see losses to West Ham or Burnley happening for either of these sides and neither could a true Premier League fan. It was to be the play-in game. 

However, that match is over and due to the result, Spurs will host 2010 Champions League football, no matter what the result at Turf Moor. If Fulham were to field even one member of the side that will travel to Hamburg, they would stand a chance at the Emirates and Spurs could pass their North London rivals. However, that won't happen and Spurs are destined for fourth. An exciting Premier League season is over; in all three races.

Now the question is: What does the future hold for Tottenham?

It is a question without a definite answer, we will know come this time next year but for now, we can predict. Were Harry Redknapp to go pick up Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, and Steven Gerrard, Spurs could go to, let's say, the quarterfinals in Europe. They would qualify for Europe again and soon be buying the best in the world and challenging for the BPL crown. However, both you and I know Harry Redknapp. He may buy the likes of Scott Parker and John Carew but this will not make Tottenham a Europe-worthy squad. Knowing their beautiful style and Harry Redknapp's buying abilities, Spurs will reach the group stage and possibly reach the round of 16, but no further. As for the Premier League, 4th spot will stay open for years and Villa, Spurs, City, and Everton will all challenge. Tottenham will occasionally challenge for Europe but they will not be, at least in my opinion, be the side Harry wants them to be.

Now, you tell me, what is your opinion on the question; What does the future hold for Tottenham?