As widely expected, the executive of the Kenyan Cricket Association has dismissed its suspension on Friday and has refused to recognise the interim committee put in place by Ochillo Ayacko, the minister of sports.Sharad Ghai, the KCA chairman, told reporters that he had not been informed of anything and as far as he was concerned his executive was still functioning. He added that, under the KCA constitution, no one had the right to dissolve the association.It is, however, that very constitution which has caused much of the infighting which led to the minster’s decision. Opponents have argued for some time that the constitution is illegal and is riddled with inconsistencies, and is constructed with the aim of maintaining the control of the board.Ghai claimed that the KCA was one of the most transparent associations and insisted that the government had seen audited accounts from 2003 and that 2004’s would be ready soon. He added that the term “mismanagement” – which was used by the minister to describe the actions of the KCA – was ambiguous because he did not understand under what basis the word was being used.Opponents suspect that Ghai may well look to the court’s to overturn Ayacko’s action. In 2002 the Kenyan government tried to take a similar course of action in suspending the KCA, but on that occasion the court ruled that it was overstepping its remit. However, it would be surprising if, in view of that precedent, the minister had not established his legal position before acting.Ghai’s attempts to head off the government’s action have not been helped by his own poor health. He has been in increasingly indisposed of late and sources claim that he requires several hours of oxygen daily. He was forced to cancel a meeting with leading administrators last Thursday as he was unable to leave hospital where he has been since the end of December.One individual caught in the crossfire is Sammy Obingo, the KCA’s general manager. Hired by the board in May, his commitment to the KCA executive was considered strong. But in December he unsuccessfully contested the post of chairman of the Kenyan Football Federation, raising questions as to his long-term commitment to the KCA, and in recent days appeared to be distancing himself from the board. Named as one of the interim committee, he now has to juggle between the new and the old. “I don’t want to get involved in the politics,” he told The Nation. “We all know cricket has had problems and the minister’s move is in response to those problems.”Julius Kipketer, one of the three KCA officials who resigned at the end of December, added fuel to the flames when he told The Nation that he was “not comfortable with what was happening at KCA and so opted to leave.” But Ghai dismissed that explanation, insisting that Kipketer left because of the increasing demands of his business.
Dale Benkenstein and Callum Thorp were the Durham heroes as they hurried to a three-day 227-run win against title contenders, Hampshire, at The Rose Bowl. Chasing 332, Hampshire were reasonably placed at 71 for 1 before a horrendous collapse of 9 for 33. Thorp swept to another five-wicket haul and a career-best 11 for 97 in the match. Thorp’s first wicket, John Crawley, was the one that really broke the back of Hampshire but it was Benkenstein who began the slide and he finished 3 for 16. Durham’s batting had worked as a team to build the lead but Benkenstein led from front with 61 and gained support from Phil Mustard. Shane Warne has plenty to think about on his flight back to Australia.Nottinghamshire are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the follow-on against Kent and still need another 57 despite four individual half-centuries at Canterbury. Darren Bicknell was robust at the top and Stephen Fleming more elegant in the middle with a 95-ball 51. But wickets fell steadily through the day and it needed Chris Read, with 67, to maintain any hopes of Notts getting past 450. Drop catches could cost Kent; they spilled Fleming twice and Bicknell three times. Graeme Swann and Ryan Sidebottom continued the resistance with an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 62 and Robert Key may yet regret batting on so long on the second day.2nd day A stand of 254 between Murray Goodwin and Chris Adams has put Sussex well in control at Arundel against Yorkshire. Following the early loss of Carl Hopkinson, it was a remorseless progression from Goodwin and Adams. Goodwin pounded the bowlers to tune of 235, his second ton of the season, with 33 fours and one six. Yorkshire’s attack has struggled all season and even with Matthew Hoggard and Jason Gillespie in tandem couldn’t make a major impact. Jason Gillespie broke the Goodwin-Adams domination but Craig White tried seven options without much reward. Michael Vaughan sat out the last two sessions after suffering from a hamstring strain,For a full report on Middlesex against Lancashire at Lord’s click here
Division Two
3rd day Mark Ramprakash became the first man to reach 1000 Championship runs for the season with his fourth century of the summer, allowing Surrey to build a useful lead over Glamorgan at Swansea. Surrey were in a tricky position, trailing by 62, after Robert Croft hit a season-best 72 and Glamorgan’s last four wickets added 263 after beginning the fightback yesterday evening. Croft trapped Scott Newman lbw with Surrey still behind, but Ramprakash and Jon Batty added 125 and Ramprakash was still going strong at the close.Gloucestershire are making a decent first of chasing 323 at Bristol but with Hamish Marshall out of the picture Leicestershire will still be hopeful on the final day. Kadeer Ali and Alex Gidman – who was dropped twice – are leading the hunt after David Masters took two early wickets. Leicestershire’s innings fell away after a stand of 106 between HD Ackerman and Dinesh Mongia carried them 194 for 4. Martyn Ball removed Ackerman then Jon Lewis dismissed Mongia before the tail folded.2nd day Northamptonshire crashed under the weight of Worcestershire’s huge total at Northampton after Graeme Hick had reached hundred centuries for the club at Worcester. Zaheer Khan produced another destructive spell following his nine-wicket haul against Essex. He claimed the first five before Stuart Wedge helped himself to 3 for 11 and Northants fell for an embarrassing 67 – the shortest innings of the summer off 152 balls. The start of their follow-on was no better as Khan struck again, and a massive defeat is on the cards, but at least they have passed their feeble first-innings effort.Andy Bichel marked his Championship bow for Essex with a match-winning 6 for 38 against Derbyshire at Derby. He raced through their second innings – at one stage Derbyshire were 20 for 5 – while Darren Gough chipped in with a couple. Michael di Venuto, who was Bichel’s first wicket, was repreived briefly when Rob Bailey, the umpire, changed his lbw decision after the batsman had edged the ball. The Essex openers, Varun Chopra and Mark Pettini rattled most of the way to the target – with the floodlights turned on – to give their team an extra day off. Earlier, Essex a gained a useful lead thanks to some feisty tail-end batting from Bichel and Alex Tudor after Andy Flower was removed early in the day by Steffan Jones.
The Australian television network due to broadcast the four-Test series against India is confident of screening it no matter which Indian company wins the coverage rights.A spokesman for Fox Sports, the satellite channel owned by Rupert Murdoch, said there had been discussions with other possible providers in thesubcontinent to ensure that if the matches were played, they would be shown in Australia.A battle for the rights is being staged in the Supreme Court in Delhi, which was today due to hear a petition filed by Zee Telefilms over the BCCI’s decision to cancel its A$430 million four-year contract to telecastIndian cricket.Murdoch also controls the ESPN-Star network, which challenged the deal on the grounds that Zee did not have the required experience as a cricket broadcaster.Both the ICC and Cricket Australia are against playing the series without live television coverage and the BCCI is currently finalising arrangements for another broadcaster to pick up the series.”Discussions have been held with other parties and no matter who gets it we are in a position to provide coverage here,” said Dugald Saunders, a Fox Sports spokesman. “From our point of view it doesn’t actually matter who gets the rights over there.”The first Test is due to start in Bangalore on October 6.
Michael Bevan and Andy Bichel have been dropped from Australia’s list of centrally contracted players for 2004-05. The announcement all but ends their international careers, although Cricket Australia has pointed out that uncontracted players would still be considered for selection.”Michael Bevan has been a wonderful player for Australia over many years, particularly in the one-day arena,” said Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors. “However, it was felt that [his] contribution to the one-day side has decreased. We won’t be picking him for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, and therefore we consider it’s time to move on. We’re looking to the future now … it’s time we started to form a core group of players that we think will represent Australia at the next World Cup.”Andy Bichel has played a vital role in our sides over recent times,” Hohns continued. “However, it is fair to say we showed our hand during the summer when he was omitted from various teams in both forms of the game. With the fast bowlers currently representing Australia and the emerging fast-bowling talent around the country, we couldn’t find a place for Andy on the list.”Brad Hodge and Shaun Tait were offered contracts for the first time, and Michael Hussey stayed on the list for the third year. Matthew Elliott was brought back into the fold after a prolific season for Victoria, the Pura Cup champions, while Michael Kasprowicz and Simon Katich were upgraded to full-year contracts.Hohns said weight of runs was the factor that led to Elliott’s recall. “The amount of runs Matthew has scored over the last couple of years we found irresistible,” he explained. “He just demanded inclusion in this list, as did Brad Hodge.”Nathan Bracken, Ashley Noffke and Nathan Hauritz were also dropped from last year’s list, while Steve Waugh retired in January.Contracted players receive a basic retainer fee, besides match fees, tour fees and prize money. The minimum retainer is $140,000, and match fees are $12,100 for Tests and $4850 for one-dayers.Contracted players Michael Clarke, Matthew Elliott, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Ian Harvey, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Darren Lehmann, Martin Love, Stuart MacGill, Jimmy Maher, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Warne, Shane Watson, Brad Williams.
A century from skipper Ricky Ponting and devastating spell of express pacebowling from speedster Brett Lee handed Australia an emphatic 96 run victoryin their opening Super Six clash against Sri Lanka at Centurion on Friday.Australia, the reigning world champions and favourites to lift this trophyhaving now won a record 13 ODI matches on the trot, scored a mammoth 319 forfive and, despite a glorious display from veteran Aravinda de Silva, thenbowled out Sri Lanka for 223 in 47.4 overs.Lee scythed through Sri Lanka’s top order during an aggressive opening burstwith the new ball, claiming three wickets in the space of nine deliveries asSri Lanka lost four wickets for just six runs.The Australian pace bowler could also have dented Sri Lanka’s World Cupambitions with a short thunderbolt that badly bruised Sanath Jayasuriya’sforearm and fractured his left thumb in the second over of the innings.The talismanic left-hander, Sri Lanka’s leading run scorer in the firstround with 269 runs, was forced to retire hurt and could play no furtherpart in the World Cup although the management are hopeful of him recoveringin time for Sri Lanka’s final Super Six game against Zimbabwe.Sri Lanka reacted well to Jayasuriya’s early retirement with Marvan Atapattuand Hashan Tillakaratne adding 36 runs but once Lee had torn open a hole heproved irresistible.Pumped up after two neat boundaries in the over, Lee clasped an excellenttumbling reaction catch in his follow through to dismiss Atapattu and thenmade quick work of Mahela Jayawardene (0), whose wretched World Cupcontinued when he nicked a catch to the wicket-keeper.The metronomic Glen McGrath claimed a brief moment in the limelight when heswung an inswinger through the defenses of number three Hashan Tillakartne(21) but the Lee demolition act continued as Russel Arnold (1) was pinned tohis stumps.The scoreline should have been 48 for five next ball but umpire DavidShepherd refused to raise his finger despite television replays showing thatSangakkara had been trapped palpably lbw with another curving thunderbolt.Aravinda de Silva and Sangakkara then prevented total meltdown with a 52 runpartnership for the fifth wicket but Sri Lanka’s chances of winning thematch had long since evaporated as the run rate spiraled out of control.Sangakkara eventually perished after a direct hit from Brad Hogg but the37-year-old de Silva provided rich entertainment, whipping four wristy sixesand nine fours in his 92 from 94 balls before chipping a return catch backto Brad Hogg and walking off to a standing ovation.Earlier, Gilchrist had seized an early initiative with a trademarkblitzkrieg. The 31-year-old left-hander clumped 50 from just 45 balls beforefalling agonisingly short of a ninth one-day century when he was run out for99 by a laser-like direct hit from Chaminda Vaas running in from theboundary.Gilchrist added 75 with Mathew Hayden, who looked unfortunate to be givenout caught bat-pad off Muttiah Muralitharan for 22, and then 106 in 17.3overs with Ponting.The fall of the quick-scoring Gilchrist, who faced just 88 balls, cracking14 fours and two sixes, did not hamper the Australians as Ponting, who hadstruggled with his timing early on, merely clicked up the gears.Having brought up his fifty off 66 balls, the Australian captain raced tohis 12th one-day century, and the fourth of his captaincy, off just another30 balls as Vaas was smashed for 20 runs in his eighth over.Sri Lanka were left ruing a series of missed chances, including a muffedstumping by Sangakkara early on and two run outs when on 36 and 72.The 28-year-old finished with 114 from 106 balls, an innings that includedeight fours and two sixes, and added 112 in just 15.5 overs with the silkysmooth Damien Martyn (52) before top edging an attempted pull.Dilhara Fernando, the best of the Sri Lankan seamers despite being warnedtwice for running on the protected area, picked up a brace of wickets in thefinal over to finish three for 47, the best figures of the innings.Star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was the only other bowler to threaten,finishing with one for 47 from his 10 overs, the most economical figures ofthe day.
Both Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson and Coach Kevin Shine were in buoyant mood at The County Ground on Monday morning, the day after seeing their team go to the top of the CricInfo Championship table after beating Glamorgan inside three days.The Chief Executive told me “I was very pleased with the way that we played. On Friday we bowled well to get them out cheaply, and then amassed a big score to put them under pressure. Yesterday was a day of attrition in the field for us but we bowled them out. It was a good wicket, and we have Phil Frost to thank for that.”When I asked him about the atmosphere at the club with regard to being top of the table, he told me “We’re all beginning to get a little bit excited about the possibilty of winning the championship,” but went on “what we have to do now is to hold our nerve and not fade away which is what we’ve done in the past.”Coach Kevin Shine summed up the game against Glamorgan by saying “There was something for everyone in the match,it was a good hard game of cricketbut that’s what First Division cricket is all about. The boys have had to fight hard to get that win. It was good disciplined team performance on a flat wicket, particularly yesterday to get them out.”How were Somerset going to approach the vital Championship game at Canterbury on Wednesday I asked him. He said “We will prepare and approach the game in exactly the same way as all of the others, we’re on top and can compete with the best.”The coach confirmed that the team to play against Kent would be the same eleven that beat Lancashire at Old Trafford which means that Piran Holloway and Matt Bulbeck return in place of Marcus Trescothick and Andy Caddick who are back on England duty.
Tottenham Hotspur look as though they will be active once again this winter, that’s despite splashing over £100m on new additions during the summer.
Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both made the move to North London during the summer window, but have both had to bide their time to make a positive impact under Thomas Frank.
The pair have been able to net just three Premier League goals between them to date, undoubtedly contributing to the currently lowly standing in England’s top-flight.
Undoubtedly, the pair will need time to settle into the plans of the Dane, but ultimately, the 52-year-old will want added reinforcements to save his job after the worrying start.
As a result, the hierarchy have been exploring potential options ahead of the January window, which could lead to numerous moves for multiple top-level attackers.
Spurs want move for top-level Premier League talent
Antoine Semenyo has been the name on every Spurs fan’s lips over the last couple of months, but it appears the Ghanaian international won’t be joining Frank’s side this January.
He was seen as one of the Lilywhites’ main targets ahead of the winter window, but the player himself has said he wouldn’t be keen on a switch to North London.
Manchester United and Manchester City now both look set to battle it out for his signature, which could help the Lilywhites in the pursuit of their latest target this winter.
After chasing his signature in the summer transfer window, Frank’s men look set to ignite their interest in landing City star Savinho after attempting to land the Brazilian during the off-season.
According to TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old could be allowed to depart the Etihad this window, especially if a move for Semenyo materialises over the next couple of weeks.
Reporter Dean Jones told the publication: “They want new attacking edge but they know they also need a back-up list of options. Savinho is one player who is part of that. The feeling is he might be more attainable than the others, but the problem will be finding a price-point that is agreeable to Manchester City.”
Amid claims in the summer that he could cost around £69m, it was suggested that the player was actually ‘keen’ on heading to north London, so watch this space.
Why Savinho would be the perfect Semenyo alternative
Missing out on key targets has been a recurring theme for Spurs over the last couple of months, with the summer window one that was full of failed additions.
Morgan Gibbs-White was seen as the club’s number one for the attacking midfield position, but they missed out on his signature after he penned a new deal at the City Ground.
Eberechi Eze was a player who was pursued after the Forest star agreed his new deal, but unfortunately for the Lilywhites, they also missed out on his signature.
He subsequently joined North London rivals Arsenal for a reported £60m fee and scored a hat-trick for Mikel Arteta’s men in the triumph at the Emirates back in November.
The fans will be hoping the same doesn’t happen this window, with any potential move for Savinho finally getting completed and avoiding letting another player slip through their grasp.
Whilst Semenyo would still likely remain as many of the fans’ first choice for the role, the Brazilian has all the tools to be the perfect alternative in the winter window.
His stats from the Premier League this campaign showcase his impressive form under Pep Guardiola, with the youngster potentially being an excellent pick up for Frank’s men.
Savinho, who’s been dubbed “exceptional” by one analyst, has only registered one assist in the league to date, but it’s his underlying figures that showcase his talent in 2025/26.
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He’s completed 1.4 dribbles and 37 passes per 90, with both tallies putting him in the top 15% of all attackers in the division – showcasing the threat he carries in possession.
Savinho – Premier League stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
13
Goals & assists
1
Dribbles completed
1.4
Passes per 90
37
Touches in opposition box
8.1
Fouls won
1.9
Shots on target
1.1
Cross accuracy
24%
Stats via FotMob
The 21-year-old has also averaged 8.1 touches in the opposition box per 90, whilst winning 1.9 fouls per 90 – further highlighting the talent he offers in attacking areas.
Other numbers, such as 1.1 shots on target and a 24% cross success rate, demonstrate his final product in the final third, which could make him the perfect answer to the current attacking issues.
Semenyo looks to be the latest player to slip through the Spurs net, but the hierarchy must ensure that same doesn’t happen with Savinho in the upcoming window.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the City sensation would cost this winter, but it’s evident that he would be the perfect alternative after missing out on the Ghanaian’s signature.
Paratici lines up move to sign a bigger talent than Semenyo for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new winger looks set to continue ahead of the January window.
For every weekend of success at Liverpool there seems to be one of frustration lurking around the corner . Two wins in the space of a week, including an FA Cup semi final victory over their Merseyside rivals, provided a much needed morale boost to both players and fans who’ve had to endure a dismal season on and off the pitch. But in typical fashion the Reds managed to extinguish their positive momentum last Sunday succumbing to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of West Brom managed by Kenny Dalglish’s predecessor Roy Hodgson. The days of Anfield being a fortress are long gone with five wins from 17 games at home shameful by Liverpool’s high standards. With nothing to play for in the Premier League the Kop faithful will turn their attentions to next months FA Cup final and hope Dalglish can deliver another trophy that will paper over the cracks of a disastrous campaign.
This week on FFC plaudits are heaped on one Liverpool defender and Dalgish’s decision to show faith in a misfiring striker may be the best he’ll make during his second managerial spell at the club.
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Best of FFC
One in the eye for Chelsea and Liverpool fans
One of the best decisions Kenny Dalglish’s can make as Liverpool manager?
A change in coaching philosophies needed in order to move forward
The Curse Of Individual Brilliance in football?
Does he get the praise he deserves outside of Anfield?
Kenny calls on Italians to play the transfer game
Premier League quartet given £10m price tag
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Best of WEB
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LFC Legend admits: Two cups may not save Dalglish from the sack. Agree? – Liverpool Kop
Is There Too Much Pressure On Suarez? – Live 4 Liverpool
Is Pepe Reina right with this shockingly defeatist view of LFC? – Liverpool Kop
Liverpool FC – Big changes in the summer? – This is Anfield
The Cultural Complexities Of Liverpool Football Club – The Tomkins Times
Our Midfield Also Needs To Be Held Responsible For This! – Live 4 Liverpool
The Beauty and Hope of Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey – This is Anfield
Liverpool linked with £7m Swede Rasmus Elm – Transfer Tavern
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Quote of the Week
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“We want to win games but it would be nice if we were rubbish and won a game. Our incentive is to get as much as we can from every game we play.We want to finish with as many wins and points as we possibly can and the incentive we have is just representing the football club as much as anything else.
We have always set ourselves high standards in terms of the level of performance and there are not too many times when we’ve let ourselves down on that front. But winning is what it is all about and points on the board is what it is all about.” Kenny Dalglish he’d sacrifice Liverpool’s in exchange for wins
Sam Allardyce begins his campaign to get West Ham United back in the top-flight with a tricky home game against Cardiff City on August 6.In a showpiece match to kick off the 2011/12 Championship season, the relegated Hammers face a tough task against Cardiff, who made it to the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs last time out.
The match will be Hammers’ fans first glimpse at football under Allardyce, who was sacked in December by Blackburn, as well as new addition Kevin Nolan following his move from Newcastle United.
Away games against Doncaster and Watford will follow for West Ham as they attempt to win promotion at the first attempt.
Blackpool, who were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the 2010/11 season, readjust to life in the Championship with a first-up trip to Hull City on opening day.
Birmingham City start their campaign at Derby County.
Leeds United take the long journey to St Mary’s to face Southampton, while play-off finalists Reading host Millwall.
Former England boss Steve McLaren will ring in his first managerial stint in his homeland in nearly four years when Nottingham Forest host Barnsley.
League One champions Brighton will officially open their new stadium with a visit from Doncaster Rovers, while Peterborough United also start at home to Crystal Palace.
In other opening day fixtures, Bristol City host Ipswich Town, Burnley face Watford at home, Coventry City and Leicester City square off in a Midlands derby and Middlesbrough welcome Portsmouth.
1. Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea – Despite (sort of, like, just) winning their last three fixtures, Liverpool entered this clash at the longest odds they’ve ever been to win a home game in the Premier League era. Unfortunately for the bookies, Fernando Torres – who was also probably the longest odds he’s ever been to score during his Premier League era – suddenly remembered that he was still Fernando Torres, despite the masculine hair, and that Fernando Torres was once actually pretty good, before he went to the World Cup and tried to help boost Wayne Rooney’s reputation. Chelsea missed the man flued Drogba in the first half and looked the better side with him on in the second. But they still couldn’t beat Reina, leaving John Whenry and his clearly fascinated wife to enjoy their first taste proper of the Anfield experience.
2. Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle – After having to spend mid-week listening to everyone and their cat wax lyrical about how brilliant Tottenham are, Arsenal fans had to suffer the further ignominy of losing at home to a manager with a 20-year Spurs connection. Chris Hughton is now firmly a Toon – as evidenced by his admirably dedicated black and white striped hair – and his greatest achievement here was that this wasn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, a smash and grab win. Arsenal of course had the best of it, as they’re wanton to do against any and all comers to the Emirates, and Łukasz Fabiański was culpable for trying to camply swat the ball away from the large hairy bullet train head of Andy Carroll, but the Magpies held their own and went for it. If Mike Ashley isn’t a masochist for the good old days of being hated he’ll give Hughton the contract he so clearly deserves, and make him the 435rd Messiah at St James Park since the invention of the iPod.
3. West Brom 0-2 Man City – With the Italian National coach Cesare Prandelli in disguise as the Scarlet Pimpernel watching two Italian managers battle it out on a cold night at the Hawthorns, it was fitting that the game was decided by the Italian youngster the Special One decided was both a special talent and special needs. Mario Bat-shi*teli gave us our first real taste of the Jekyll and Hyde character he can be by scoring twice in six minutes, diving to try and win two penalties, refusing to smile at anything before getting himself sent off for petulantly kicking a player who was himself sent off a few minutes later. And another new star of the Premier League is born.
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4. Man Utd 2-1 Wolves – 24 years to the day that Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United, and 28 years to the day that Owen Hargreaves was last truly fully fit, the aging red nosed maestro pulled a surprise out of his magic hat by naming the curly haired Germanandian Englishman in his starting line up for the first time since 2008. And after watching his manager pull that surprise, Hargo pulled one of his own, in his hamstring, and trudged off the field swearing like a sailor after only 5 minutes. As United’s remaining first team players struggled admirably to remember who their team mates were, Wolves gave them a good run for their money until Park Ji Sung – In apparent fancy dress as Rufio from the 1991 Steven Spielberg film Hook – grabbed that most United of footballing things, the last minute winner to leave Mi’ Muc’Harthy in his usual post match role as Unlucky Alf from the Fast Show. Bugger.
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5. Bolton 4-2 Spurs – At the spiritual home of ‘being brought back down to earth’ Tottenham suffered the dreaded European hangover as Gareth Bale failed to live up to his newfound status as the greatest player to ever grace the world ever ever, slightly embarrassing overenthusiastic twitterers (and the occasional respected journalist) the world over. Managing to live up to their newfound expectations however were Owen Coyle’s Bolton, who’s recent ability to actually play some slight variation on attractive football has left Big Sam’s assertion that he’s just as good a coach as Arsene Wenger for what he did there a little wide of his already considerably wide mark. Kevin Davies continued his assault on the England squad with two goals and a Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez back headed assist, whilst the player who was actually marking The Balenator, Grétar Steinsson, grabbed one himself, officially making him the greatest right back in the World ever under boxing rules.
Other things I noticed – Match of the Day’s insistence on trailing not just future programs, but future segments of their current program after every single game. Manchester City’s logo’d undershirt, which is much nicer than their actual shirt. Asamoah Gyan’s celebratory tribute to the dangers of stepping on a firework during Guy Fawkes night, and David Sullivan’s evil genius decision to take his Mini-Me along to the Birmingham game in lieu of David Gold’s banning. Awwww