Date: October 2007

Arsenal 7 – 0 Slavia Prague

Oct 23, 2007 by

An absolutely amazing European night at the Grove, capped off by Theo Walcott scoring twice in his first Champions League start. Cesc Fabregas added two, his first coming four minutes into the game. Alex Hleb also scored twice, but one of his goals was deemed an own goal by the Slavia defender. Nicklas Bendtner rounded out the scoring late to add the PAT.

So, Arsenal win by a touchdown, and the confidence is oozing prior to this Sunday’s huge match at Anfield between the only remaining unbeaten teams in the League. Liverpool needed help to win against Everton last week, but derby matches are always a bad indication of a team’s form.

Due to the time change in the UK this Saturday night, the kickoff isn’t until Noon ET on Sunday. The match will be broadcast live here in the US on Fox Soccer Channel.

The Return of the UCI (pre-Liverpool Edition)

Oct 23, 2007 by

To Steven Gerrard, for this comment about Young Theo’s inclusion in the World Cup squad:

Walcott had no right to be in Germany. None at all. I was gobsmacked to find him on the plane.

Instead of running his mouth, Gerrard should concentrate on what he does best, like getting substituted in the Merseyside derby, begging referees to hand out cards to his opponents, missing sitters in England’s Euro qualifying campaign, and choking in a World Cup quarterfinal shootout.

I’m not a big believer in bulletin board material, but I imagine Young Theo will have read that quote by the time next Sunday rolls around.