I am finally back from London and Spain where I (along with 20 other Arsenal Americans) witnessed a last gasp (more like profuse cursing and yelling) winner from Nicklas Bendtner and a thorough demolition from one Lionel Messi (4 goals . . . ouch). A thank you to Mr. San Francisco for the Barca match write up! So a quick recap of the Arsenal America Road Trip . . .
Spuds v Arsenal FC
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
12:00PM PST / 3:00PM EST
ESPN 2
Nothing quite soothes a wounded pride quite like hatred. Unadulterated, virulent, remorseless venom focused on the most loathed of opponents. The Gunners have seen their hopes for silverware whittled down to a shot at winning the league. That chance however slight, runs through Spudsville, as all of the clubs still in contention, must face the Tiny Totts.
The Spuds, coming off an embarrassing FA Cup semi-final loss to already relegated Portsmouth, face a much depleted Arsenal, who are without Fàbregas, Arshavin, Song, and Gallas. There is talk of Robin van Persie’s return, but to what effect, remains to be seen.
Here’s hoping we’re celebrating St. Totteringham’s day tomorrow! C’mon you Gunners!
Spuds v Arsenal FC
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
12:00PM PST / 3:00PM EST
ESPN 2
Rarely do sequels eclipse the original. Often it is because one of the original stars has moved on, the element of surprise has been lost, or the director has lost his original motivation.
Last week’s first leg of Arsenal FC v FC Barcelona will be a tough match to surpass. That story had a little bit of everything. The much-maligned goalkeeper playing out of his skin for the first half, a squad used to beguiling other clubs with its quick passing and agility found itself getting a master class in just that. A legend returns to face a youngster wearing his number. Still, when things were at their grimmest, the Gunners dug deep and ended up with a draw.
As with many sequels, the odds against the heroes are ratcheted up. Arsenal head to Camp Nou without their inspirational leader, their talisman, their captain – a man who on so many occasions has willed them to victory. And what of the diminutive Russian sidekick with his childlike grin, lifting his finger to his lips with every goal as if to hush the crowd? Gone too. Yes, the heroes will venture into enemy territory, battered and bruised, looking for one of the Merry Men to step up and fill Robin Hood’s shoes.
The stage is now set for what Gooners hope will be another of the great matches in Arsenal history. Can a squad without Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas, van Persie, Ramsey, – the list goes on and on – defy the odds and give us a sequel that surpasses the original?
Get your popcorn and grab a seat, as this one promises to be a doozy.
FC Barcelona v Arsenal FC
Fox Soccer Channel
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
11:45 AM PST / 2:45PM EST