cheeky double

North London bookmakers will have taken plenty of money from optimistic Tottenham fans ahead of tonight's second leg game with AC Milan. However, the Italians offer real value at 9/4, and I must confess my money is on the rossoneri.

Elsewhere, Everton face an unpredictable Birmingham team at Goodison Park, and without wanting to curse my boys for a second week in a row, Moyes will be confident his side can make it three wins in a row in the league.   

The double pays a handsome 5/1 and has to be worth a flutter...

 

common sense

Just a quick word about last nights game between Barca and Arsenal; First, and most importantly, Barca were superb. Messi was a constant danger, Xavi was walking through the Arsenal midfield at will all game and you have to say that the Catalans fully deserved their win. However, from a neutral perspective, it was a shame that a bit more common sense wasn't shown by the referee when he was so quick to send Van Perise off. Even though Arsenal hadn't managed a shot on target up to that point, they were ahead in the tie and the game was heading for an exciting conclusion. That one ridiculous decision ruined the game as a spectacle and hopefully UEFA will punish Massimo Busacca accordingly. 

exclusive footage

exclusive footage of ashley cole's now infamous shooting of an intern at chelsea's training ground... or at least what it MIGHT have looked like!

weekend review

What a difference a day, or in this case a week, makes. Last Monday, Arsenal fans were awakening to a miserable grey sky that matched their mood following humiliating defeat in the Carling Cup final. This week however, Gunners fans will be looking at the bright blue sunshine full of optimism as the season's end draws ever closer. Despite a toothless display against Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday, Arsenal are now within touching distance of Man Utd after Sir Alex's boys were sent packing from Anfield with their tails between their legs. Liverpool have been re-energised under the management of Dalglish and their new sense of purpose saw them deservedly beat a United team left short at the back after Vidic's needless red card at Stamford Bridge the week before. United will be desperate to ensure they don't slip up again in the coming weeks before travelling to the Emirates on May 1st for what is shaping up to be a winner takes all showdown.

Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta finally found the sort of form that has made him such a legend on Merseyside as Everton dispensed of Newcastle. The barcodes were devoid of creativity without Joey Barton and in truth never really threatened to retake the lead they surrendered so easily in the first half. West Ham showed they wont be going down without a fight by hammering Stoke, Wolves took full advantage of Tottenham's generosity at the back in a hard earned draw, Birmingham paid a price for their undoubtedly boozy celebrations after last week's cup win and allowed West Brom to take 3 vital points from St Andrews, and Bolton strengthened their case for a Europa League spot with a win against visiting Aston Villa.

Final word goes to Nani for this hilarious attempt to get Carragher sent off after a typically thuggish challenge from the Huyton lad. I love the way he limps over to the ref to show off his injury and then throws himself to the floor... as if this melodramatic act will do anything except make him look like an idiot. Terrible tackle, worse reaction. Good job he didn't gift Liverpool a decisive second goal to complete a miserable afternoon for the lad...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WnHJJRGrtM

the art of motivation

Here is the famous vinnie jones giving a half-time dressing down to his pub team in hollywood. If carslberg did sunday league managers... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC8CIXcUQ8w