Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0, dropping the Gunners nine points behind in the Premier League and out of title contention. Arsene Wenger can whine about time of possession and cynical tactics, but Chelsea were, comprehensively, the better team. Barring a Champions League miracle, it will be a fifth trophy-less season. The time for disillusionment at Arsenal is now.
Fabio Capello isn’t one for distractions. According to Sky News, John Terry has been relieved of his England captaincy, after it emerged he had an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge’s then girlfriend. Rumored replacements are Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand. Wayne Rooney could be a dark horse.
Former U.S.M.N.T. coach Steve Sampson confirmed what had been speculated. He dropped “Captain for Life” (and current ESPN analyst) John Harkes before the 1998 World Cup because he had an affair with Eric Wynalda’s wife. The U.S. lost all three group matches, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams at the tournament.
Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 in North London, dropping the Gunners a potential eight points behind Chelsea in the Premier League. Arsenal have lost all three matches against Chelsea and Man U this season, by a combined score of 8-2 (6-1 at home). A funeral service for their title challenge will be held next Sunday.
Landon Donovan scored a goal in Europe, and quite a nice one. It was a great run with perfect anticipation, a solid control with his chest and a composed finish. May this be the first of many. He now has a decision to make.
Future U.S. opponent Algeria, eliminated tournament favorites Ivory Coast from the African Nations Cup, winning 3-2 in extra time. The Algerians came from behind twice, took an early lead in the extra period and held on as a Kolo Toure equalizer was ruled offside. The win comes just months after Algeria won another tough match, their World Cup playoff with defending African champions Egypt, just days after their bus was attacked.
Are you heading to the World Cup in South Africa? Concerned with your safety among rowdy soccer supporters and riled up Africans? Why not show your support with a flag-emblazoned stab vest? A South African company Protektorvest is offering them for just $69.95. The vests protect “the vital inner body parts from stabs, cuts, slashes and blows from sharp, edged or spiked weapons.” This is the perfect message to send to potential assailants: I’m American, I’m fearful and I’m not aware you can stab me in the neck or the genitals. Five most popular versions sold so far: American, English, German, Brazilian, “Free Hugs.” (Soccernet)
The Deuce Should Be Loose: Clint Dempsey's MRI revealed "moderate ligament damage" rather than the suspected PCL tear. He will not need surgery. Fulham expect him to return before the end of the season. If his recovery goes as planned, he should be able to play for the United States during the World Cup. You may now crank your jingoism back to level eleven. Don't tread. (AP)(9)
U.S. prospects for South Africa next summer have suffered a critical blow. Clint Dempsey limped off with a knee injury for Fulham. It’s expected to be a PCL tear. Reconstructive surgery would knock him out for eight months to a year, causing him to miss the 2010 World Cup.
Tim Howard is the best U.S. player. Dempsey, along with Donovan, may be the least replaceable. He’s the most dynamic American attacker. He was one of the top players in the Premier League for Fulham this year, before the injury. His loss coupled with Charlie Davies’ makes the U.S. far less versatile going forward.
With five months left before the 2010 World Cup, injuries can be crucial. Players in participating countries are focused, either on getting fit or on staying fit. The U.S. team’s fate could rely on timely recoveries from Charlie Davies, Oguchi Onyewu and Maurice Edu.
Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0, dropping the Gunners nine points behind in the Premier League and out of title contention. Arsene Wenger can whine about time of possession and cynical tactics, but Chelsea were, comprehensively, the better team. Barring a Champions League miracle, it will be a fifth trophy-less season. The time for disillusionment at Arsenal is now.
