Wednesday 29 September 2010
feliz cumpleaños Dani
A special post for a special boy.
Its Dani Pedrosa's 25th Birthday today so Ruth's Sport's Wall warmly wishes our favourite Spanish speedster many happy returns. Here's hoping the rest of the harem throw him one hell of a party...not to mention all the gifts he deserves....
Party in Belgrade
Imagine a massive wave of relief crashing into a pure golden shore of happiness......
Congratulations you just recreated my feelings last night at the wonderful three one victory over Partizan in Belgrade last night. What a fantastic way to shake off any lingering hangover from (whisper it) west brom. Lukasz Fabianski unexpectedly was the man of the hour last night. Yes you read that right. He saved a penalty and produced a stunning save at the end of the game. I could not be more pleased for him and for all the boys. This could well be the shot of confidence that he so badly needs. It was so heartwarming to see him looking so happy after both saves and at the end of the game, an especially nice touch was the congratulatory hugging and patting form the other boys which can only have added to the atmosphere of joy. Oh to have been there in the middle of it all...but I digress. Another encouraging sight was Lukasz gaining the confidence to actually yell at people in his box, VERY very good sign.
All in all an excellent night for the gooners in Serbia. Perhaps Tomas Rosicky should be captain more often....just a thought......
Congratulations you just recreated my feelings last night at the wonderful three one victory over Partizan in Belgrade last night. What a fantastic way to shake off any lingering hangover from (whisper it) west brom. Lukasz Fabianski unexpectedly was the man of the hour last night. Yes you read that right. He saved a penalty and produced a stunning save at the end of the game. I could not be more pleased for him and for all the boys. This could well be the shot of confidence that he so badly needs. It was so heartwarming to see him looking so happy after both saves and at the end of the game, an especially nice touch was the congratulatory hugging and patting form the other boys which can only have added to the atmosphere of joy. Oh to have been there in the middle of it all...but I digress. Another encouraging sight was Lukasz gaining the confidence to actually yell at people in his box, VERY very good sign.
All in all an excellent night for the gooners in Serbia. Perhaps Tomas Rosicky should be captain more often....just a thought......
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Champion's League Tuesday
Happy Champion's League tuesday to one and all. Tonight Arsenal take on Partizan Belgrade, in Belgrade. Good news is that Manuel Almunia isn't playing after the shocker he had on Saturday but bad news is that Lukasz Fabianski is playing instead. Hmmmm. I might start a one woman campaign to install Vito Mannone in goal, right now.
Despite our ongoing goalkeeping crisis I'm feeling quite positive about the match tonight. A good result could be just what the boys need to boost their confidence and get them back on track. Also our earlier good performance against Braga means the pressure is off a little which is precisely the incentive they all need.
Also I hear our harem's very own little dumpling Tomas Rosicky may be captain tonight. In my eyes this is always a smart move. He's been captain of his national team, has bags of experience and is above all total quality.
So Puno sreće to all the boys tonight! (That's good luck in Serbian!)
Despite our ongoing goalkeeping crisis I'm feeling quite positive about the match tonight. A good result could be just what the boys need to boost their confidence and get them back on track. Also our earlier good performance against Braga means the pressure is off a little which is precisely the incentive they all need.
Also I hear our harem's very own little dumpling Tomas Rosicky may be captain tonight. In my eyes this is always a smart move. He's been captain of his national team, has bags of experience and is above all total quality.
So Puno sreće to all the boys tonight! (That's good luck in Serbian!)
Sunday 26 September 2010
Soaring highs and crashing lows
Once again this week provided the epitome of the Arsenal supporting rollercoaster. A fantastic high on wednesday with drawing Tottenham in the Carling Cup galvanising le Prof into picking a stronger team than usual. It paid off and we won by the glorious scoreline of 4-1. Unfortunately I didn't get to see much of the game (grrr sky sports) but the goals looked good. I was ecstatic at this result any win against Tottenham is good news and while I'm normally less than enthuiastic about the Carling Cup, I'm willing to alter my attitude if it represents a serious chance at silverware.
And from that to the crushing low of defeat. I happened to turn over for ten minutes at half time and when I switched back we were two nil down and it felt like a slap in the face. When the third goal went in I actuallly screamed "noooooo" it felt very very painful. I honestly started to believe in the idea of the glorious fightback when we pulled one back. The second goal really stoked the fires and I was yelling at the tv for all i was worth and praying for a way. Unfortunatley it was not to be. I'm not sure if getting so close makes it harder to take.
And from that to the crushing low of defeat. I happened to turn over for ten minutes at half time and when I switched back we were two nil down and it felt like a slap in the face. When the third goal went in I actuallly screamed "noooooo" it felt very very painful. I honestly started to believe in the idea of the glorious fightback when we pulled one back. The second goal really stoked the fires and I was yelling at the tv for all i was worth and praying for a way. Unfortunatley it was not to be. I'm not sure if getting so close makes it harder to take.
Monday 20 September 2010
Moto GP Contract News
Exciting news this week. Colin Edwars has signed an extension with Tech 3 Yamaha meaning he stays for an extra season. While he hasn't had a great a season as last year, I'm still pretty chuffed about this news. He's a funny guy with a big personality that lights up the paddock and track and he brings a lot of fun to the sport. And the big news of the week is that Dani Pedrosa has signed a two year deal to keep him at Repsol Honda! Woo! Cue celebration music. He fits the team very well and I'm delighted that he's staying in the right place. Also I'm extremely happy that its a two year deal meaning less of the usual silly speculation in spring about moving teams.
Arsenal Diary - mixed feelings
Well this week perfectly encapulates the the rollercoaster of emotions that comprises being an Arsenal fan. Firstly we had the opening game of the Champion's League campaign and a glorious six nil win against Braga. It was a wonderful game. Everything I love about Arsenal was on show the football was flowing and slick, the passing was quick and accurate, the attacking moves were sweeping and incisive. Not to mention the goals, which were fabulous. I was carried away on the crest of the euphoric wave of the 'beautiful game' as it truly should be played.
And then it came to an abrupt end. Yesterday's match against Sunderland was a different prospect all together. It was a scrappy game really. For the first fifteen minutes I wondered whether we'd bothered turning up. Even after we scored (a candidate for goal of the season even at this early stage, seriously look it up) we still weren't performing as we could and should have been. After half time we did improve and looked much more solid and cohesive, the crucial moment however was Tomas Rosicky's penalty miss. My heart broke for him as soon as it flew over the bar, I've never felt anything quite as strong during a football match. I actually got stabbing pain as my heart sunk in my chest. I genuinely felt terrible for him. Then when I thought I couldn't take any more the equaliser flew in. At first I was raging mad, I was yelling and shaking, throwing a cushion around. The usual angry rants about injustice and selfishness and why god why came out. Then I calmed down to just despondency, I sulked. I was so upset and despairing. Now I've levelled into grudging acceptance and the thought that maybe its not actually the end of the world and could just be a blip. Let's all hope so.
And then it came to an abrupt end. Yesterday's match against Sunderland was a different prospect all together. It was a scrappy game really. For the first fifteen minutes I wondered whether we'd bothered turning up. Even after we scored (a candidate for goal of the season even at this early stage, seriously look it up) we still weren't performing as we could and should have been. After half time we did improve and looked much more solid and cohesive, the crucial moment however was Tomas Rosicky's penalty miss. My heart broke for him as soon as it flew over the bar, I've never felt anything quite as strong during a football match. I actually got stabbing pain as my heart sunk in my chest. I genuinely felt terrible for him. Then when I thought I couldn't take any more the equaliser flew in. At first I was raging mad, I was yelling and shaking, throwing a cushion around. The usual angry rants about injustice and selfishness and why god why came out. Then I calmed down to just despondency, I sulked. I was so upset and despairing. Now I've levelled into grudging acceptance and the thought that maybe its not actually the end of the world and could just be a blip. Let's all hope so.
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Harem Watch - internationals
So many active harem members so little time. More of my favourite boys were in action last night as once again Football internationals took place (Euro 2012 qualies and friendlies.)
Germany beat Azerbaijan 5-1 with a goal from harem head boy Lukas "Lulu" Podolski, 90 minutes of loveliness from fellow harem boy Bastian Schweinsteiger and a goal from one to watch Holger Badstuber (send that boy a harem application form pronto.)
Italy won 4-0. That is all.
Holland won 2-1. Noteworthy for two goals form KJ Huntelaar. But hardly boytastic as harem hottie in chief Robin van Persie in injured.
Speaking of boytastic Argentina and Spain faced each other in friendly action (oh yes.) No score report as I have it on tape. I'm sure it will live up to my expectations.
Croatia drew nil nil with Greece. Sigh.
And poor old Czech Rep lost to Lithuania. Consolation hugs to founding harem members Tomas Rosicky and Tomas Ujfalusi
Germany beat Azerbaijan 5-1 with a goal from harem head boy Lukas "Lulu" Podolski, 90 minutes of loveliness from fellow harem boy Bastian Schweinsteiger and a goal from one to watch Holger Badstuber (send that boy a harem application form pronto.)
Italy won 4-0. That is all.
Holland won 2-1. Noteworthy for two goals form KJ Huntelaar. But hardly boytastic as harem hottie in chief Robin van Persie in injured.
Speaking of boytastic Argentina and Spain faced each other in friendly action (oh yes.) No score report as I have it on tape. I'm sure it will live up to my expectations.
Croatia drew nil nil with Greece. Sigh.
And poor old Czech Rep lost to Lithuania. Consolation hugs to founding harem members Tomas Rosicky and Tomas Ujfalusi
Harem Watch- US Open Tennis
Time to check in with all the tennis boys setting hearts aflutter here at sports wall towers. As we speak I'm watching THE big match, the clash of my titans Rafael Nadal vs Feliciano Lopez. A hugely anticipated match in my household as Rafael Nadal has been my favourite tennis player for years now and the object of my crazy attentions throughout various tennis seasons. Feliciano 'Flic' Lopez is the most frequent and vigorous (ahem) challenger to Rafa's domination of my affections since I discovered him about five years ago at world number 90 and on hugely entertaining form. Now he's at about 23 in the world, much to my unbounded joy and I do as much as I can to convert anyone who'll listen (seriously there's a little pocket of people in North East England who are ridiculously well informed about Flic.)
Other news from Flushing Meadows: Gael "Baby G" Monfils beat Richard Gasquet (a former harem member) and now plays Novak Djokovic.
David Ferrer (rawrrrr) unfortunately lost to underwear model Fernando Verdasco, remained sexily angrily and dignified while doing so.
Tommy Robredo was unfortunately beaten by Mikhail Youzhny yesterday, adding him to the list of Harem members I have seen criminally little of during this tournament. Others include Juan Carlos "JC" Ferrero- out in round three and Marcos Baghdatis and Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzalez in round one. Also honorary harem members Kei Nishikori, Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian, Ernests Gulbis and Jeremy Chardy also exited fairly early.
Other news from Flushing Meadows: Gael "Baby G" Monfils beat Richard Gasquet (a former harem member) and now plays Novak Djokovic.
David Ferrer (rawrrrr) unfortunately lost to underwear model Fernando Verdasco, remained sexily angrily and dignified while doing so.
Tommy Robredo was unfortunately beaten by Mikhail Youzhny yesterday, adding him to the list of Harem members I have seen criminally little of during this tournament. Others include Juan Carlos "JC" Ferrero- out in round three and Marcos Baghdatis and Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzalez in round one. Also honorary harem members Kei Nishikori, Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian, Ernests Gulbis and Jeremy Chardy also exited fairly early.
Monday 6 September 2010
RIP Shoya Tomizawa
In amidst of all this light heartedness something happened at the weekend that puts it all into perspective. Shoya Tomizawa, a 19 year old Japanese Moto 2 rider passed away after a horrendous crash at Misano. A truly tragic loss and all prayers are with Shoya and everyone connected to him.
Harem watch- Arsenal boys on tour.
An update on what all our lovely boys are doing on international duty.
Emmanuel Eboue scored in a 3-0 win for Ivory Coast.
Thomas Vermaelen was captain of Belgium. Looked hardcore whilst doing so.
Bacary and Gael both played for France. Unfortunately could not prevent failure with coolness.
Andrei Arshavin set up a goal for Russia. Possibly whilst thinking about beavers in hats.
Vito kept a clean sheet for Italian under twenty ones.
Tomas Rosicky has been called up. Ecstatic reunion with other Tomas awaits.
Emmanuel Eboue scored in a 3-0 win for Ivory Coast.
Thomas Vermaelen was captain of Belgium. Looked hardcore whilst doing so.
Bacary and Gael both played for France. Unfortunately could not prevent failure with coolness.
Andrei Arshavin set up a goal for Russia. Possibly whilst thinking about beavers in hats.
Vito kept a clean sheet for Italian under twenty ones.
Tomas Rosicky has been called up. Ecstatic reunion with other Tomas awaits.
Arsenal diary - off week. Altered states- view from the dorm
A quiet week on the gooners front, international football means no premier league last week (boo!) The transfer window closed last week and once again no goalkeeper arrived. I'm normally very patient about these things and subscribe to the 'Arsene knows' wisdom but this time I am a little worried I really really think we needed a new goalkeeper, although personally I also believe he should be playing Vito Mannone way more. I hope I'm proved wrong but I don't think Manuel is good enough and I don't think Lukasz is anywhere near ready.
I read last week about the World Cup committee people visiting all the grounds for england's 2018 bid and it got me wondering about the presentation they would receive at the Emirates. I like to imagine that Arsene got all the boys to draw a picture of how the World Cup coming to England would make them feel. A little something like this:
Arsene: Ok boys, all these pictures look lovely. Gael what have you drawn?
Gael C: Its me and my best friend Bacary Sagna winning the world cup for France at the Emirates!
Arsene: That's very nice Gael, what a lovely idea. What have you drawn Tomas?
Tomas R: This is my best friend Tomas Ujfalusi holding the world cup while I play guitar.
Arsene: Ok. A little off topic but nice. Is that an England flag Theo?
Theo: Yeah, its the emirates stadium covered in england flags with me scoring loads of goals.
Arsene: Very nice Theo. I'm sure our guests will like that.
Samir: I drew a picture of all my friends from the team watching the world cup together in the stadium.
Arsene: That's very sweet Samir. Now Andrei what is this that you've drawn?
Andrei: Its a beaver in a hat.
Arsene: I don't think that's really what we meant...
Andrei: Its a good hat.
Arsene: Yes very nice but that doesn't really show anything about the world cup.
Andrei: The beaver is happy because Russia got the world cup
Asrsene: (sighs)
I read last week about the World Cup committee people visiting all the grounds for england's 2018 bid and it got me wondering about the presentation they would receive at the Emirates. I like to imagine that Arsene got all the boys to draw a picture of how the World Cup coming to England would make them feel. A little something like this:
Arsene: Ok boys, all these pictures look lovely. Gael what have you drawn?
Gael C: Its me and my best friend Bacary Sagna winning the world cup for France at the Emirates!
Arsene: That's very nice Gael, what a lovely idea. What have you drawn Tomas?
Tomas R: This is my best friend Tomas Ujfalusi holding the world cup while I play guitar.
Arsene: Ok. A little off topic but nice. Is that an England flag Theo?
Theo: Yeah, its the emirates stadium covered in england flags with me scoring loads of goals.
Arsene: Very nice Theo. I'm sure our guests will like that.
Samir: I drew a picture of all my friends from the team watching the world cup together in the stadium.
Arsene: That's very sweet Samir. Now Andrei what is this that you've drawn?
Andrei: Its a beaver in a hat.
Arsene: I don't think that's really what we meant...
Andrei: Its a good hat.
Arsene: Yes very nice but that doesn't really show anything about the world cup.
Andrei: The beaver is happy because Russia got the world cup
Asrsene: (sighs)
Moto GP - Destiny Fulfilled
Indianapolis baby. Amazing and fully deserved win for Dani Pedrosa. I'm totally over the moon. But once again I'm robbed of my favourite sight of Dani and Valentino on the podium together and their burgeoning bromance (or romance?!)
This marks the first glimpse into the twilight world of my imagination and how I imagine behind the scenes of Moto GP really looks. To immerse ourselves lets all imagine a big house, like a college house in American high school movies. In this house all the boys live together, reality be damned. Colin Edwards as he exquisitely showcased in 'a day at the office' (if you haven't seen in youtube it now) is the enforcer of the house. The one who keeps all the others in line, an impromptu security guard. Loris Capirossi is the wise man of the house. I imagine him like a younger Italian version of Mr Miyagi, sitting in a corner dispensing wise advise to anyone who'll listen. Nicky Hayden is the party boy of the house, a one man frat house who says 'dude' a lot, think every american teen movie ever. Randy is the typical smooth frenchman with his bunnygirl 'laydeez' and his camera face ready at all times. In a similar vein Marco Melandri is the Italian stallion, a playboy with an endless supply of pickup lines. Andrea is clearly the very sweet, wide eyed innocent fanboy with boundless optimism and that disarming smile of his. I have a very complete picture of Casey as the party pooper constantly blaming everyone else for everything and having his wife follow him with an umbrella everywhere. Marco Simoncelli is clearly the goofy manchild who is always falling over and breaking things. I imagine Jorge is always 'in the zone' walking around in shades, glaring at people in that way he has. Valentino is just valentino; loud, wacky, always smiling, doing things at all hours, unpredictable vale. And little Dani is a complex one, very serious but clearly capable of cracking a smile and very very neat, i bet he lines things up in the fridge. Look out for further posts from the frat house.
This marks the first glimpse into the twilight world of my imagination and how I imagine behind the scenes of Moto GP really looks. To immerse ourselves lets all imagine a big house, like a college house in American high school movies. In this house all the boys live together, reality be damned. Colin Edwards as he exquisitely showcased in 'a day at the office' (if you haven't seen in youtube it now) is the enforcer of the house. The one who keeps all the others in line, an impromptu security guard. Loris Capirossi is the wise man of the house. I imagine him like a younger Italian version of Mr Miyagi, sitting in a corner dispensing wise advise to anyone who'll listen. Nicky Hayden is the party boy of the house, a one man frat house who says 'dude' a lot, think every american teen movie ever. Randy is the typical smooth frenchman with his bunnygirl 'laydeez' and his camera face ready at all times. In a similar vein Marco Melandri is the Italian stallion, a playboy with an endless supply of pickup lines. Andrea is clearly the very sweet, wide eyed innocent fanboy with boundless optimism and that disarming smile of his. I have a very complete picture of Casey as the party pooper constantly blaming everyone else for everything and having his wife follow him with an umbrella everywhere. Marco Simoncelli is clearly the goofy manchild who is always falling over and breaking things. I imagine Jorge is always 'in the zone' walking around in shades, glaring at people in that way he has. Valentino is just valentino; loud, wacky, always smiling, doing things at all hours, unpredictable vale. And little Dani is a complex one, very serious but clearly capable of cracking a smile and very very neat, i bet he lines things up in the fridge. Look out for further posts from the frat house.
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