“It’s been an historic year in the life of Spanish football. On the evening of the 11th July, with one swing of his right foot, Andrés Iniesta lit up Johannesburg to win his country its first World Cup and confirm Spain’s place at the very pinnacle of the global game. With La Liga commencing its annual winter hiatus next week, I thought I would use this week to review the year and give out some prestigious awards – Los Equalisers de Oro (The Golden Equalisers), as I like to call them.” The Equaliser
Analysing Cesc Fàbregas’ impact at Arsenal
December 18, 2010“Keeping Cesc Fabregas in the summer was a symbolic one, if not already indicated by his position as captain of this side. Fabregas is the talisman; the highest profile player and a leader of his generation. If he ceased to believe in Arsenal Wenger’s project then what hope does a youth development policy have? Little – according to Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.” The Arsenal Column
Inter on top of the world
December 18, 2010“Inter Milan became the first Italian side to collect five major trophies in a single calendar year as they brushed aside TP Mazembe in the final of the Club World Cup. Two goals in the space of five minutes early in the first half from Goran Pandev and Samuel Eto’o – who shook off an injury to play – put Inter in control, and Jonathan Biabiany completed the scoring five minutes from time.” ESPN
Andy Brassell
December 18, 2010“It wasn’t all fine wines and canopies at last nights NOPA awards. In between hobnobbing with Barry Glendenning, the chaps from the Football Ramble, Zonal Marking, Swiss Ramble and virtually all of Twitter, I managed to grab a few words with European football freelancer, Andy Brassell.” European Football Weekends
Roy Hodgson: Not so great expectations
December 18, 2010“AS people who still believe Roy Hodgson is the right man for the job at Liverpool are finding out (Hello Patrick), defending the indefensible is nigh on impossible.” Well Red