“Okay, so did anyone really see the Sheffield United match working out differently? If so, logic on a postcard please. The Blades have been in fine form recently and look to be creeping into the playoff picture. Growing in confidence and with an eye on Mark Yeates, Kevin Blackwell’s team started yesterday’s match the poorer side but soon took control once they realised Boro had little substance. Richard Cresswell’s headed goal produced about the right result, whilst we went into hibernation once the penalty shout against Chris Morgan was denied. In fairness, the defender’s shove on Aliadiere could have resulted in a spot kick, but it was one of those decisions that usually goes with the home team, and besides we didn’t deserve much better than nothing.” (Smog Blog)

“Presumptions that Chelsea or Barcelona would lose ground in their domestic leagues while their African players were appearing in the African Cup of Nations appear to have been greatly exaggerated. Chelsea has four key players — Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou — on national team duty in Angola. Without them, Chelsea on Saturday thrashed Sunderland, 7-2, the first time in 50 years that the club had scored seven goals in a top-flight match in England.” (NYT)

“Some belters from the Brazilian and international media here, with almost any glimpse of talent meaning this label is often slapped on a youngster. In many cases they’ve been right, but in some they were wide of the mark.” (midfielddynamo)

“New Orleans is not a place you immediately associate with the beautiful game, nevertheless, the Big Easy is responsible for one of the best books about soccer ever to emerge from this side of the pond. Northern Ireland ex-pat Stephen Rea’s account of his experiences forming a pub team and living through Hurricane Katrina with his teammates is a must read for all soccer fans. First Touch is proud to present the first of three excerpts from the book that will run on these pages between now and Mardi Gras.” (First Touch Online)