Global
Proud ‘Rooster’ Etxeberria will play for free
Athletic Bilbao winger Joseba Etxeberria has delighted the footballing world by agreeing to play his fifteenth year at the club for free, as Jonathan O’Shea reveals.
The Monday Miscellany
Mike Martin reflects on the atrocious abuse afforded to Sol Campbell by Tottenham supporters, observes the demise of Poland’s grand Euro 2012 plans and ogles at Barcelona’s brilliant demolition of Atletico Madrid.
Just who will emerge from Group F?
Group F threatens to be the most fascinating of them all as three of the continent’s big sides fight it out for the two qualifying spots, Celtic proved useless away from home again as Villarreal starred while Juventus failed to impress and Porto continued their fall from grace.
Da Silva Lining
Rafael Da Silva - a seemingly unknown 18-year-old twin snapped up by Manchester United in January. But after starring once again in United’s victory over Aalborg, Da Silva is hot property - and is a genuine full-time contender for the right-back spot.
Great - just not in the trophy-winning sense
Arsenal are not quite there yet; and, so reluctant to spend big and to compromise with their style, perhaps they never will be. These fatal flaws are part of what makes them such a delight - and they are great, just not in the trophy-winning sense. But on nights like this, complaints seem rather callous.
Zaki at his zenith as Wigan strike Egyptian gold
Amr Zaki was an unknown before Wigan snapped him up for nothing in the summmer. Now the Egyptian looks like the signing of the summer after five goals in just six matches.
The Monday Miscellany
Mike Martin on Uefa’s mass changes, Hull’s attacking victory over Arsenal, England’s right-side and the rebirth of failed Liverpool forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
Carlos Vela - still Arsenal’s new Henry?
Carlos Vela starred in Arsenal’s victory over Sheffield United with an outstanding hat-trick, prompting renewed calls that he is ready to become the club’s new lead striker in the mould of hero Henry.
