Praise the Career, Ignore the Character

Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright, Steven Gerrard.  And tonight against Brazil; Ashley Cole will join that sacred club of players who have been capped 100 times for England.

I genuinely believe that Cole deserves to take his place in history and write his name in the record books.
As a Gooner, I may have had my issues with the Chelsea player in the past; but as a football fan it is virtually impossible to see why his ability isn't celebrated in the same way as past and current teammates such as Beckham and Gerrard.

For me, he has been the most consistent England international of the last decade and I would imagine the first name on most England boss' teamsheets.

As well as the 99 caps he's collected in an England shirt, he has made 359 league appearances for Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace; where he spent time on loan.

Since his senior début in 1998; Cole has won three Premier League titles, SEVEN FA Cups, one League Cup, three Community Shields and ol' big ears himself; the Champions League. Not many Englishmen can boast a bigger haul than that.

Admittedly, the defender has made mistakes in his life. But which one of us can say we haven't?
The point is his personal errors should not detract from what has been and continues to be an amazing career, in an age where many young players fall off the radar after a handful of games. The skill and commitment it takes to play a century of games for your country is rare and something to be heavily championed.

As part of the so-called Golden Generation that has failed time and again, the Londoner has never once been accused of not giving his all or being a shirker when the game is going against England.

So tonight when his name is called out, I hope the Wembley crowd cheer the man for what he has achieved in his career and the standard he has maintained over the last 14 years. Rather than the mistakes he has made to make him end up as this weeks tabloid fodder.

So Natasha Says: The Podcast

A few quick thoughts on some of this weekend's games in the Premier League.  Feel free to share, follow and comment.

I did a podcast!

Check out this episode on my podcast "It's North London Derby time!": http://podOmatic.com/r/tkYIe

Time to smell the coffee.

Yesterday was a bad day for everyone involved with Arsenal. The 2-1 defeat at Manchester United could have been worse, a hell of a lot worse. Yet, after last season's game a part of me is just glad we got off so lightly.

It's ridiculous to think I found relief in the fact we only lost to our biggest rivals by the odd goal. Except they are no longer our rivals, not in the way they used to or should be for that matter. Times are a changing. United have graduated, and we've been made to repeat the year. Again, and again, and... Well you get the picture.

The most depressing thing about yesterdays game is that we were never at the races. We looked like a newly promoted team who were just happy not to concede too many! There was no part of us that appeared to believe we could or would win. It was embarrassing and for Arsenal football club, it was completely unacceptable.

This is the club that pipped Liverpool to the title in 1989, the club that went 49 league games unbeaten, the same manager that took a team to the San Siro and beat Inter Milan 5-1.

But we don't look anything like that club anymore, and in truth it is breaking my heart. I don't remember a day when I wasn't a Gooner, and I know that day will never come. But that doesn't mean I can't be real and see what's wrong with the club that I love.

It kills me to say it, but I really feel it is time for Mr Wenger to hang up his puffa coat. I don't say it lightly, I'm the sort of person that likes AW more than I do some members of my family!

But let's get this straight. The club is stagnating, to the point where I wouldn't be surprised to see us in the Europa League next year! Unthinkable I know, but on recent showing it's extremely possible. And when things go wrong at a club, the manager has to take responsibility. Given how long he has had to change and improve things, the only option is for him to go.

It's not just the loss at Old Trafford. It's everything. The late attempts to renew contacts of players, the money sitting in the bank, the hesitancy to spend on real top draw players.
The lack of ambition on and of the pitch, the lethargy of the players, this belief that Champions League qualification is 'good enough'.

Admittedly, it isn't just Mr Wenger to blame. The board have to take a long hard look at themselves and decide whether they want to increase their wealth or actually make us successful again. Right now, it seems like the former. I mean, could you imagine the CEO of Tesco getting a bonus for being the fourth best supermarket in the country? No, me neither.

Right now everything is wrong from top to bottom, and it's been going wrong since the departure of David Dein. He was the boss' best friend and right hand man, he protected him from the pressure and made him see sense. Clearly no one is doing that now or the list of players we missed out on would not be growing every transfer window.

The team isn't good enough, the recruitment process isn't good enough. Which means that the manager is no longer good enough.

He's had a great run and has been responsible for some of the best memories we will ever have as Arsenal fans. But unless there is some radical change in the next few months - which I doubt - then this season should be his last.

And who to replace him, you ask?

Roberto Martinez fits the bill for me. He's done his apprenticeship at Wigan, he knows the Premier League and he plays the game the right way.

I've always supported Mr Wenger but I can't see a way back from the drivel and nervousness we see on the pitch now.

If he doesn't go, I will still support him and the club. Because that's what fans should do. But it doesn't mean I won't be seeing the truth.

And before you start labelling me; I'm not Wenger Out.

I'm just Arsenal Up.

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What Will Be...

I haven't said much about the Robin van Persie situation, mostly because so much is being said already. And there's only so much moaning anyone can put up with, from one set of fans!

But I've had this blog in my head for a couple of days now, so I thought it was about time to get it out.

To be honest, I'm not even angry that Robin has decided not to sign a new contract. I'm more disappointed with the fact that he feels that the club doesn't share his vision and more so, with the statement he released on his personal website. For someone who has often waxed lyrical about his love of the club and his respect for Mr Wenger; I'm sure he could've done it with even just a smidgen of class. Although if it was down to his advisers, we all know enough to realise they are not often the classiest of people.

If that is how he genuinely feels then he's entitled to his opinion, even if I disagree with it. And if he no longer wants to be an Arsenal player, then I would prefer him to depart sooner rather than later.

But on the flip side I think it's a little cheeky coming from a player who has only had one 'value for money' season in his eight years at the club. Although it was one spectacular season. Admittedly injuries are not his fault, but Wenger and the club stuck by him when many would've kicked him to the kerb a long time ago. It must be galling for Wenger to think that now Robin is injury free, he thinks he's too good for the Gunners.

But should I really be surprised by anything in football anymore.

I also thought it was a little cheeky that his mother and wife had been telling all and sundry he was staying for the past few months. Either they were taking the piss out of all Arsenal fans or Robin had a big change of heart during the Euro's.

So now the bids have started coming in - amounts you could describe as mediocre at best. So it looks like he's really going, once the interested clubs get serious about their offers.

And if that's the case, then Arsenal have to make sure it's on their terms. That they get the cash they deserve and more importantly, that he doesn't go to Manchester City!

Be A Gunner, Be A Runner! Sponsor my Madness.

Hi guys,
In a random moment in the early hours of this morning, I signed up for the 'Be A Gunner, Be A Runner' event at the Emirates on March 31st.

It's a 6.4km race and given the fact I haven't ran in ages it could be very interesting.  I mean, if I have the choice; I won't even run for a bus!  But I do have two months to prepare and although I'm nervous, I'm also really excited.  There's something wrong with you, if you don't get excited by a challenge.  That's what life is all about.

As well as it being at my spiritual home, it's for the charity: Save The Children - Arsenal's charity of the year.  I'm sure you'll all agree it's a great cause and they will appreciate all donations, no matter how small.

If you can spare some change and wish to donate, you can go to my just giving page.
Or you can donate by text. Send NATH 81 + the amount - £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 - to 70070.                                            

Thank you all in advance for any donations and feel free to share the page on twitter, facebook or your own blog.  As I said, even £1 will help the charity.

Best wishes,

Natasha x



Just a Little Too Much...

Rarely one to partake in interviews, I was really interested see what Roy Keane had to say in today's Sunday Times.  Not only did I learn quite a bit about him but I also learnt a lot about Sir Alex Ferguson.  Not so much him the person, but the person he becomes to those around him.
Having spent 12 1/2 years at Manchester United, it's fair to say that Keane grew to know him extremely well; both professionally and I would imagine, personally.  But you get the feeling that he didn't really know the Scot until he acrimoniously left the club in 2005.

Much like Gary Neville; Keane was disliked by all fans other than United fans, but as a football lover you had to respect a man who always appeared to give his all for his team by setting the standard expected as their captain.  (Violent moments aside!)

Case For The Defence.

Well, I may be an eternal Arsenal optimist but even I would not have predicted that.   My prediction was 2-1 to the boys from North London, but obviously I forgot about both teams complete inability to defend.

Although it must have been a great game for those who are not fans of either side, for those involved it was an emotional rollercoaster.  I for one had to take a siesta after 94 minutes of screaming, shouting and jumping around the living room like a mad woman.  We've got new neighbour moving in downstairs and they must have thought someone was trying to murder me!

But back to the game. As brilliant as the attcking was, the defending was abysmal.  Neither team will win anything if they carry on playing like that and we all know how happy that will make Mr Abromovich.

Regarding Chelsea, it's good to see them with the shackles off and Andre Villas Boas has clearly given his forward players free rein.  Juan Mata looks like he has a good eye for a pass and a goal and we all enjoy watching Daniel Sturridge, as he starts to fulfill his potential.  But all this will be irrelevant if they carry on defending as if they don't know each other.  Ashley Cole had clearly decided to target the Arsenal full-backs as he bombed down the wing, which is fair enough but when he later played Robin Van Persie onside, he didn't even bother to track back.  He just stood there and watched the player bore down on Petr Cesh's goal.  Surprising, given that he is normally far more alert than that.

There is no denying there was a time when John Terry was rated as the best defender in England, although some felt this was by default, due to Ledley King and his knee problems.  He was never the quickest of men and as he ages, what little speed he had is disappearing.  Even if he hadn't slipped on the pitch, it's highly doubtful he would've kept up with Van Persie as he scored his 2nd and Arsenal's fourth.  In a team where most of the star players are the wrong side of 25, they seriously struggled against the pace of Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott.

When Makelele was there, it gave Chelsea that extra line of defence, something they crave now.  Frank Lampard is an attacking midfielder and we have seen from England's experiments that he struggles to commit to that type of restrictive position.  And it's clear that Mata is not the sort of player to sit there and clean up the mess, plus it would be a complete waste of his talents.  

Raul Meireles is probably the most natural candidate for the defensive midfield position bu he hasn't played as much as executed since his deadline day transfer from Liverpool.  I'm not sure he's the best man for the job but it's clear the team is struggling with the organisation and execution of defending.  Cech is a great goalkeeper but the law of averages means he won't save more than half the attempts when he is stranded one-on-one with a world class striker.  A weak defence just makes his job ten times harder.  Just ask Wojiech.

But it's not all Terry's fault, Bosingwa left his team to hang out to dry on more than a couple of occasions.  Drifting infield and leaving his man in miles of open space behind him.  I heard a suggestion that the hyperactive David Luiz could play the Makelele role but I personally don't think he has the level of concentration required.  In fact, I have no idea what his best position would be.  Although it is clear after recent games, that he's not exactly anyone's idea of an outstanding right-back.

But don't get me wrong, Arsenal are no better.  The only positive was that they haven't got any worse since 'the game that shall not be named'.  That and the fact they conceded two less goals than the hosts

The youngster, Carl Jenkinson, started on the bench which was nice for him considering he's been fed to the Premier League sharks too many times already in his debut season.  But at least he has the excuse of youth and inexperience, I have no idea what Johan Djourou's excuse is.  Before you all start, I know he's not a right-back and I know he hasn't played there often.  I don't expect him to come in and be the best right-back in the world, but what I do expect is some common sense and a sign of some basic defensive abilities.  Cole turned him so many times in the first 30 minutes, he must have thought he was playing Twister!  If you know you are going to be playing in an unfamiliar position then surely you spend extra time practising in the week and more importantly, you keep things simple.

Andre Santos doesn't escape either, regardless of the fact he scored. As I remarked earlier; it was less a game of two halves, more a case of two Santos'.  His first-half performance was the worst I've seen since the days of Pascal Cygan and his big fat shiny head.  Bad positioning, bad tackling and lack of awareness just for starters.  I'm not saying he's a bad defender, but if he hadn't scored he may well have found himself left in West London with the recycling labeled unwanted wood.

But the biggest weakest link in the Arsenal defence has to be Per Mertersacker.  The shortest tall man I've ever seen.  He can't head the ball, he can't tackle and he runs slower than my Mum; and she's got a back full of metal!  His whole involvement in Chelsea's second goal epitomised why he is not exactly being taken to the hearts of the Arsenal faithful.  Yes, the fans were screaming for a defender who looked like a defender all summer.  But I think they would have preferred one who actually played like a defender!  The fact that the teenage Wojiech Szczesney had to come out and move the experienced German into position prior to a Chelsea free-kick, pretty much says it all.

Let's be honest, neither Sir Alex nor Roberto Mancini will be quaking in their boots after watching these two play a game of who can make the lowest number of mistakes.  Mr Wenger and Villas Boas are both blessed with great attacking talent, but they will both be aware that their strikers won't always be able to save the day. 

Trophy winning teams are built from the back to the front.  The success of each teams seasons will depend on which manager manages to fix his problems first.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T!

Is it me, or do some people seem to be enjoying Mr Wenger's current predicament a little too much?

The irony is none of this bile is coming from his fellow managers in the game. It's coming from ex-players, the media and a growing section of Arsenal fans.

Admittedly, not all ex-players, journalists or fans are part of the Wenger-out brigade. I'm not gonna start generalising.

But I find it slightly ironic that someone like Sam Allardyce can come out in support of the Frenchman but former players cannot.

No-one is infallible and maybe it is the fact that he has always been a media darling for so long, that makes recent events all the more interesting.

Not a day goes by when there isn't another article referencing his faults, coaching errors and failings in the tranfer market.

And I agree, the man has made mistakes. But which one of us hasn't?

But should these mistakes allow people to belittle one of the best managers, the Premier League has ever seen?

15 years ago, he came to North London and when he won the double he was the first non-British manager to do so. Since then he has won seven trophies and taken his club to numerous finals. He averages one trophy, every two seasons. Not too bad in a country where we regularly laud managers just foor keeping their club in the top flight.

Let's not forgot his two trophies each at Monaco and Grampas Eight, in France and Japan, respectively.

Without him players like; Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljundberg, may never have graced these shores. Not to mention how he extended the careers of Tony Adams, Steve Bould and David Seaman. As well as the numerous clubs that have benefitted from players who came through the Arsenal youth system.

With his passion and idealistic view of football, we started to see the game played in a majestic way, something not common in England.

His attention to detail helped the club build the magnificent, Emirates Stadium, as well as turn Colney into one of the best training facilities in the world.

Yet some feel it is acceptable to ridicule him and make a mockery of all he has and WILL achieve in the future.

I believe that respect is something that is earned.

And Mr Wenger has earned his, by working a hell of a lot harder than most.

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The Foul Mouth of the North London Derby

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have come together with the aim of capturing those involved in offensive chanting, during last weekend's North London derby.

There has been much press coverage of the chants; some aimed at Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor were in relation to the gun attack on the Togo national team bus on the way to last years' African Cup of Nations.

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna was rumoured to have been spat on by the home fans as he waited to be stretchered off the pitch following a collision with the advertising boards, that resulted in a fractured fibula. Along with the usual bile that is aimed at the both managers from the rival fans.

The clubs have now released a joint statement condemning the actions and encouraging others to 'shop a moron' if they know someone who was involved. If the information is confirmed with video footage the clubs will take action that may involve the person being banned for life from both clubs' the stadium.

This is not the first time this season, fans chants have been in the spotlight. Fans of Leeds and Manchester United were also caught on camera singing songs about the Istanbul and Munich tragedies respectively, in the Carling Cup last month.

Two Hamstrings and a Fourth Minute Goal!

In the words of the Beautiful South, Arsenal fans may: 'Need a little time to think it over...'

In the words of Natasha Henry, you need: 'To get a bloody grip!'

Alright, I'm gonna be honest. The 90 minutes of football that we've all just watched was far from the best 90 minutes Arsenal have played. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable and nervous at times. But this is football people, what do you expect? If you want calm and serene, go and watch Bowls!

I just feel some of you out there need to get a little perspective about the real state of our team and realise that news of our death is being greatly exaggerated.

Yes, Cesc has left. But come on, we've all been planning for life without him since last summer.

For me last season, Cesc ended up being more of a hindrance than a help. Let me explain. He wasn't at his best for the majority of the season - when he did play - and when he was on the pitch, all other midfielders were looking to him to pull the strings. So when he was having a poor showing, it couldn't help but make those around him more fragile. Imagine what happens to the orchestra if the conductor is out of time.

But he's gone now. Lets regroup and move on quickly because this vitriol coming from the fans AND the press will only start to infect the players.

Whether or not you are happy with players' comments or Mr Wenger's - lack off - transfer dealings you have to support the team. Do any of you think it's actually helpful to boo the team off the pitch or abuse a player as he arrives at a stadium? All it does is make them more complacent and eager to leave. This is the time all who love Arsenal Football club should be pulling together, not tearing ourselves apart.

Of course when it comes down to it, the game is won by the 11 on the pitch. But you only have to visit clubs like Stoke and Blackpool to see the difference a truly supportive fan base can make.

So have a drink, chill out and remember why we love this club in the first place.

And if you decide you only want to be in a relationship with a club that pimps their way to the title, I believe there's a club with less history and soul than us over on the Kings Road. From what I hear, they're not very picky.

Bolton 2 - 1 Arsenal: Match Report

As I've been on the missing list for a while I thought I'd give you a match report before I try to resume normal service this weekend.

Tamir Cohen's first goal in 18 months gave Bolton three points and realisticly ended Arsenal's title hopes at the Reebok on Sunday afternoon.

Other Articles I have Written

For those of you who have been asking for links for some of my other articles, here they are:

Is the attitude towards women in football changing?
I don’t know what is surprising me more. The surprise of the world regarding Andy Gray and Richard Keys comments or the media’s leap onto the bandwagon to condemn them. 
Read more...
 
Do foreign players get more grief than their English compatriots from the media?
Oh, naughty naughty Cesc Fabregas. Look at him being rude to the referee. And there he is waving an imaginary card at a player. Such a bad, bad boy. And what about Nigel De Jong, with his violence on the pitch and career threatening tackles.
Read more...

Finding a future through football. 
As an Arsenal fan I was looking forward to seeing Ian Wright involved with football again in the show ‘Football Behind Bars’.  But I came away thinking about more than Wrighty’s impressive vocabulary.   I changed the channel thinking this might actually be an innovative idea, as opposed to just another celebrity helping out the little people.
 Read more...

Natasha Meets.... Nigel Winterburn

I was privileged enough to meet the Arsenal defensive legend yesterday on behalf of Football Fancast.  To hear what he had to say to me and Sian Ranscombe about the youngsters, the trophy drought and whether he could hack it in todays' league, see here.

FA Cup Fourth Round - Ones to Watch

For my Nan and Grandad Henry - To them I owe my sarcastic nature and love of The Arsenal x

Well it's FA Cup time this weekend - Yah! We've got five all Premier League ties and 15 of the top flight left in the competition. A few promotion chasers will take a rest from their respective leagues and lets not forget a few non-league sides including Crawley Town after they beat Championship side Derby last time out. As much as I would love to preview all 16 matches for you, I do have a life (I do!) so I have chosen the ones that I, and some of my twitter friends are looking forward to.

ARSENAL v HUDDERSFIELD TOWN Sunday
Of course I'm looking forward to this after seeing Mr Wenger's men reach their first final in five years on Tuesday. It's hard to know which Arsenal will turn up as they seen to enjoy adding more games to their already packed schedule but hopefully they should come out all guns blazing at home. You would think that RVP and player of the season, Samir Nasri will be rested especially with the Barca game on the horizon. Expect Nicolas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin to start with some more of the golden youngsters on the bench. The Russian's form has dipped and a goal would give him some much needed confidence.

Method to the Madness.

A lot of people seemed surprised that Sir Alex recalled youngsters Ritchie de Laet and Joshua King from Preston after the club sacked his son Darren Ferguson. I'm not. Not one little bit. Most loan agreements are about who the manager of the club is rather than the team.

Jack Wilshere was originally going to be loaned to Burnley in January but when Owen Coyle took over at Bolton, that's where the midfielder went. I saw this as a clear sign that Mr Wenger was interested in his player being looked after by a man he believed, shared his ethos and would look after the player in the way he deemed necessary.

Who really gives an Arse?

So allegedly Mr Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal, has been having an affair with a French wannabe pop star 22 years his junior. Mr Wenger and his wife Annie have a 13 year old daughter, Leah.

But along with this breaking news story there is a severe lack of proof. There were pictures of him with Sonia. Walking side by side in an airport. There was a picture of him supposedly shielding his face from the press, though to me he looks like he's fixing his hair. Something all footie fans know he does habitually. There are no incriminating photos, that I have seen. No statement from Mr Wenger, Annie or Sonia.

All we have is innuendo and suggestion.

But to be honest, even if it is true. I couldn't care less. Not because I'm an Arsenal fan or because I worship the ground the Frenchman walks on.

But because unlike some, he has always kept his personal life personal. One fan told me that until this story he had no idea Wenger was married, which pretty much says it all.

He has never conducted his life in the media, nor I doubt he ever will. If it is true, then I will be disappointed to see another married man ignoring his vows. But other than that, nothing.

Until now his private life has never been my business and I don't think things should change now.

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Champions Leage: Match Day 3 Review

UEFA Champions League Review: Match Day Three

At the halfway point of the group stages the top teams continue to show their mettle. Free-scoring Arsenal and Raul broke records and some new faces made their mark in the Champions League.


Group A – FC Twente; Inter Milan; Tottenham Hotspur; Werder Bremen
Never has a game been so aptly described as 'a game of two halves'. The first belonged to Inter as they were 4-0 up at half-time. But ten-man Spurs owe their comeback to Gareth Bale who put in another performance to attract the plaudits, while becoming only the sixth British player* to score a hat-trick in Europe.

Twente drew at home to Bremen to leave both teams on two points and fighting for the chance to take the consolation prize of playing in Europe's second string competition.

Group B – Benfica; Hapoel Tel-Aviv; Lyon; Schalke 04
Raul showed that form is temporary, but class is permanent as he scored two goals to help Schalke to a 3-1 home win against Hapoel. Now, Europe's top scorer, he shows no signs of slowly down and it could well be his genius that inspires his new team to qualify from the group.

To read on go here

Champions Leage: Match Day 3 Preview

Champions League Preview: Match Day Three; 19-20 October 2010

Following an eventful domestic weekend, players minds will now be back on the Champions League. Didier Drogba makes his return to the competition, two footballing giants meet in Group G and a friendly face return to the Emirates.

Group A – FC Twente; Inter Milan; Tottenham Hotspur & Werder Bremen
Tottenham face their first real test when they travel to the San Siro and to play the might of Inter Milan. Harry Redknapp is familiar with their boss, Rafa Benitez and will enjoy pitting his wits against the former Liverpool man.

FC Twente will be looking for revenge against the side that knocked them out of last years competition. Like Werder Bremen they only have one point and will be aiming to secure the third spot and possible Europa League participation.

Group B – Benfica; Hapoel Tel-Aviv; Lyon & Schalke 04
If Michel Bastos can continue scoring in the CL, Benfica will cement their first-placed position at the top of the group. Although they won't expect an easy trip to seasoned French team, Lyon.


To read the rest of this article go here

6-4-0

So, it's been a good week for English football in the Champions League, for once for all the right reasons.
No prostitutes, no affairs, no violence; unless you count Arsenal's assault on SG Braga.

As an Arsenal fan, you can imagine I was glad to see our captain, Cesc Fabragas getting back to his top form. Scoring two and making two goals. Of course he was voted Man of the Match. For me though, more impressive were Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere. A lot of the hard work Nasri did on Wednesday seems to have been ignored by the pundits and the press. But for me, he deserves a big round of applause. As a natural winger, he was going against his natural instincts to do some sterling defending for the team. Ad like other forwards I won't mention - ginger guy, plays for ManU - he can actually tackle.

But my happiness moment was how easily lil Jack sees to be fitting into the team. He doesn't appear to have the confidence issues that at times blight Theo Walcott and he can stand up quite admirably to a challenge. Mr Wenger's decision to send him to Bolton on loan looks to have paid dividends.

As for the others...

The less said about the bore-draw in Manchester the better. For all Sir Alex's bravado he can't be happy to see Wayne Rooney looking far from his combative best. Maybe it would have been better to play him at Goodison, I mean it's not as if he's not going to get abuse anywhere else this season. And compared to the abuse Sol Campbell and Frank Lampard get at Tottenham and West Ham respectively, it's not exactly the end of the world is it.

Chelsea have continued their scoring run and it was nice to see young star Daniel Sturridge getting his first start in Europe and first goal. And looking at how Michael Essien has started the season, you have to wonder how many points they could have won the Premier League by if he had been fit last season.

Oh yeah, and Tottenham drew!