Back on Track

Hi Chums. Apologies for the radio silence, the general haphazardry of life is the only excuse I can muster. Had I had the chance however, my pre-game guff would basically have been: I’d be gutted with anything less than 3 points.

Looking at the betting before the game, I noticed we were 13/8. I also noticed Liverpool were 13/8… so effectively, taking out the home advantage, the bookies saw the ‘pool as a better side. They don’t often get it wrong, so on this occasion, my unusually bullish pre-match mood, mixed with a little wounded harrumphing had me reet up for it I tell thee. As luck would have it, so were our lilywhite lummoxes, and even with a full compliment of players in opposition for the whole game, the result, if not the score line, would have been exactly the same.

Indeed, after Kenny’s allusion to a few perceived injustices, he eventually backed down and conceded that we were simply a lot better than them. ‘We can talk about those decisions another time’, or something to that effect. Is that perhaps because there’s pretty much no debate about any of the cards your chaps received? Shall we pencil in a chat next week about it? No, didn’t think so. His eventual concession was his only saving grace- if he thinks refereeing played any part in their downfall, he’d be doing a massive disservice to the ‘pool fans that had to sit through their pasting.

Banana and custard, cheese and pickle, Bodger and Badger. Great double acts from down the years, and with the relentless heel-snapping of Captain Combover, and the craft of the little Croatian in the middle, it looks like they might just be on their way to joining them. The former is a breath of fresh air, comprising, the guile and leadership that we’ve been missing for too long in the same package, and the latter… that goal celebration didn’t look like it came from a deeply unhappy individual. He can do it for Croatia AND Tottenham. Marvellous.

Nice one Gareth, running beyond his full back helped us out immeasurably in pulling them out of shape. More of the same please lad. Adebayor’s great isn’t he? If he’s not scoring goals with clinical accuracy, he’s giving great interviews and being generally endearing. How nice it is to see a forward with a first touch and moving about with a bit of intelligence.

Generally excellent throughout, with another special mention for Ledders who is just a freak of nature. According to management, he doesn’t kick a ball all week, has a little jog for 10 minutes on a Friday morning and that’s enough to see him through 90 minutes of Premier League football. While I’m sure that’s a *bit* of an exaggeration (strength and conditioning work at least?), it’s almost beyond comprehension that he doesn’t train with the squad at all. Imagine if…

Anyway, Stoke tomorrow. More good news see’s Sandro and Gallas in line for a return to first team action, although I’d expect us to largely shield the precious things of the shop for Saturdays coach trip to Wigan.