Phillip

I'm upset because the game will not be shown in the States, and also because ManU won a game they had no business winning. But, I expect us to do well today.

Hold on a second! You went to see a band that you knew nothing about? If that is the case, and it certainly appears to be so based on your writings, then how can you complain?

I am keeping the faith. We won a bunch of matches in the last 5 minutes (but also had a few "wins" become draws as well), so it was just a matter of time when ManU did the same.

Probably the most irritating phrase we've imported from America despite stiff competition. Nasty words, nasty sentiment. I have never heard anyone from America use the word "mate" unless they are talking about their spouse, so perhaps you meant to refer to this as a hybrid Aussie-American phrase, or whatever.

'What about the insects on the grass? It surely would cause them harm. I'm against it, and I am sure Yogic would be as well. Yikes, if there happened to be a frog on the pitch, it surely would cause her an upset stomach, and so on.

I'm not sure why I have not thought of this until now, but it seems harsh for JM not to have played Ferreira in Portugal. I know that Diarra played great, but I think that he may be messing with Ferriera's head so much that he will never be a useful player for us again. I have always liked Ferreira, and I cannot fault JM's lineup, but then again . . .

We should have him do what the Japanese do, which is to wear protective facemask.

He was in no-man's land. He went partially out, froze for a second, and then made a belated attempt to go all the way out. Too late, and gave the Porto striker a great chance at getting their second goal.

Cannot complain too much about your ratings, though Cech's bad decision to come half-way out in injury time almost cost us. Not something you see from him. That, and his strange yellow card, should drop him down to 6.0. Ballack really is dreadful out there. Just not sure what his problem is.

I did notice Robben's use of his right foot, and he looked very good. Though I do not recall him taking a corner with his right foot in the Norwich match.

Nice list, Loz. I think that the Cold Mountain movie did a good job on an excellent book, so that would be in my top 10 list.

I guess that I will do the player ratings. Cech: 8.0 - not much to do for most of the game, but came up huge the 4 times he was needed. Ferreira: 7.0 - looked good at left back. Handled the quick Huckerby fairly well. Boularhouz: 6.5 - made a great save to keep Norwich from opening the scoreline, but also missed a clearance kick that forced Cech to make a great save. I hope his shoulder is OK. Geremi: 6.5 - played consistently well. JT: 6.0 - probably the weak link in our defence, which is something that one does not say very often. That being said, he did OK, just not the great presence in the air that we come to expect from him. Lamps: 7.0 - controlled the midfield. Mikel: 5.5 - was absent for much of the game, and so that is why I am giving him a fairly low score. When he had the ball, he looked OK. SWP: 6.5 - even though he scored our first goal, he still makes too many runs with his head looking straight at the ground. Diarra: 6.0 - did not see much of him, but that is probably because he was playing a defensive midfield role. Did OK. Drogba: 6.5 - scored a goal, but besides that did not do much. But hey, a goal is a goal! Robben: 7.5 - even though he went to ground to easily, he was a threat every time he touched the ball. Subs: Kalou: 7.5 - made an impact from the moment he came on. Shevchenko: 8.5 - set up Essien's goal magnificently, and scored a nice header soon thereafter. Essien: 7.5 - looked very solid out there in defence.

Does anyone know if Arsenal has lowered their ticket prices from what they were at the Library? I would think that a team would not lower the ticket prices based soley on moving to a larger stadium, and instead would raise them to help recoup the costs of building the monstrosity.

I know what you mean Plillip. A bit like your avatar; thats always worried me. Yes, I have had a 'body expander' experience. Very painful.

Isn't Mido a turd-burglar?

One thing about Eto'o that worries is his small head. It looks like a headshrinker got a hold of him.

I agree with Bluebeard, but I sure feel very sorry for Mendes.

If other teams play ManU like Charton did, which means with no fear, then I think we have a good chance to win the league. That is a big IF, however.

Oh, I can easily see the Mankers dropping 7 points, but I certainly cannot see us dropping no points.

I'm getting old, because I remember him playing in the Bundesliga, on a television show called "Soccer Made in Germany", with my favourite announcer of all time, Toby Charles. He is still alive, I think. The way he said "high, wide and not very handsome" (for describing a shot on goal) was magnificent to the ear.

Berti Vogts What, did he manage Ireland instead?

The terrier was still my favorite Scotland manager. He was a great player in the 80s.

Darn. Here I was hoping it was a thread of the New England Patriots.

G4's ratings are correct, for the last three minutes of the game (which was all he watched).

Isn't that a hockey term?