1995 - Ajax 1 - 0 Milan

Frustrating. Not only were Milan never in top gear the whole season, losing out to Juventus domestically, they were always a little off the pace in Europe - and they still reached the final. Patrick Kluivert had been the difference between the sides in the group stage and was the only player Milan could not really shackle.

Inevitably, it was Kluivert who scored in the final as a young vibrant Ajax beat a rather limp Milan. My favorite, Savicevic didn't play, Boban was off colour and Baresi was a yard too slow all night. Louis Van Gaal had unleashed his brood on Europe and in retrospect it was a very good Ajax team that beat Milan that night. They passed around very well and their movement off the ball was too much for Albertini and Donadoni to handle. It would be another 9 years before Milan made it back to the final.

When it rains it pours: this time I got to see the Cup Winners' Cup final and this time Arsenal proceeded to lose in rather farcical circumstances. David Seaman would go on to get get lobbed and beaten from distance several times in his career - this was arguably the most high profile. if 1994 was my zenith as a football fan, 1995 was definitely the nadir.


1996 - Juventus 1 - 1 Ajax (Juventus win on penalties)

When the white feather, Fabrizio Ravanelli, scores, his inevitable celebration is a 'I told you so' run towards the coach with his finger pointed. He didn't do that here despite scoring from the spot as Juventus surged to a lead.

Ajax however, were better in this game and looked sharper with smooth passing and movement - hallmarks of the Louis Van Gaal style. Litmanen's leveller was the least they deserved but some smart tactical substitutions by Lippi ensured the balance slowly titled in Juventus's favour. Ajax attacked but Juve, featuring ex-Milan youth player Gianluca Pessotto, held firm and inevitably penalties were the order of the day.

Keeping in theme with Yugoslav players making a telling contribution to Champions' League finals, Vladimir Jugovic slotted home the winning penalty and Juventus won. Ajax has not made the final since. Kluivert went to Milan while most of the rest of the golden Ajax team slowly reunited at Barcelona under Louis Van Gaal.


1997 - Borussia Dortmund 3 - 1 Juventus

Quite simply Dortmund outclassed Juventus.

2 goals from an irrepressible Karl-Heinze Reidle who seemed to be about to score every time he got the ball and a late marker from Lars Ricken ensured Dortmund won the final with plenty to spare. Paulo Sousa turned out for the Germans against his old team who never really got going. The commentator was awful, reminding us time and again how Dortmund were lucky to have beaten Manchester United in the semi-finals - but there was nothing lucky about this. They pressed on the attack and defended deep. The only Juventus player who seemed up for it was Del Piero who, fittingly, scored a consolation to briefly revive the tie after Dortmund had shot to a 2-0 lead. Stefan Reuter made some telling tackles on Alen Boksic while Jurgen Kohler held the backline together with an efficient performance. A certain Angelo Di Livio played - I don't recall him doing one thing of note the entire game.

A very good game lots of playmaking, a fair smattering of goals. A new champion of Europe.

Oh btw, a year after helping Bordeaux beat Milan in the UEFA Cup, a certain Zinedine Zidane played this final - although I scarcely recognized him from the year before. Needless to say he was largely anonymous.


1998 - Real Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus

There was a strange media circus leading to this game. Everyone was constantly reminded about how this was to be the Spanish team's year - getting back the trophy that they owned early on in the century - way back when. Personally I couldn't care less who won. I wanted to see Zidane (Juventus), Roberto Carlos, Davor Suker and Pedrag Mijatovic(All Real) play.

The game was a tactical masterpiece, Raul and Mijatovic going wide whenever they got the ball, dragging Iuliano and Montero with them, out of position; Redondo pulling the strings in the midfield while Zidane danced all over the place looking to play either Del Piero or Inzaghi in, with French team mate Christian Karembeu in tow. Seedorf battled national team colleague Davids in a midfield scrapfest while Di Livio did .. well nothing. He never does anything anyway - his making way for Tacchinardi refreshingly welcome.

The small disappointment was not seeing Davor Suker start, but Mijatovic scored a clinical goal, getting behind Peruzzi (see Yugoslav players, Champions' League finals) and slotting home before he came off for the Croat marksman.

The media circus reached an apoplectic frenzy after the win - Real finally being crowned champions' of Europe after several decades, etc, etc. You should have seen Hierro's face.

Postscript:
Arsenal made 1998 super special - that's right, the double in spectacular fashion ! Wenger had truly arrived. You know I had to put this in.

1991 - Red Star Belgrade 0 - 0 Olympique Marseille (Red Star wins on penalties)

This was my first ever European Cup final.

I remember watching this with my dad and fittingly, an elderly Yugoslavian friend of the family. He was a real tome of club footballing knowledge. He assured me that the real name of the 'red team from Eastern Europe', as I called them, was a rather more unpronounceable Crvena Zvezda. Also the Pele who suited up for Marseille was not related to the Brazilian legend - but infact a Ghanaian ponytailed footballer prenamed Abidi. He also assured me that the best Yugoslav who played that game was not even on the side of the winners from Belgrade but infact on the bench for the French champions. I guess he was right, although Dragan Stojkovic, Pixie, did come off the bench for a small part of extra time. Then again, Dejan Savicevic did play the game for Red Star and in my mind was the best in show. (more on him later).

I've always loved penalty shootouts - it's my guilty pleasure. After the penalty shootouts of Italia 90, I was excited by the prospect of yet another one here - especially since the game was very boring. True to form it was another exciting shootout (is there ever one which is not?) and the unheralded team from Yugoslavia were European club champions. I will always maintain that this triumph was a prelude to that nation dominating football in the 90s - sadly civil war put paid to that dream.


1992 - Barcelona 1 - 0 Sampdoria

The eagerly awaited return of English clubs to the continental game was a damp squib for me - Arsenal lost to Benfica in the knockout rounds. Due to the lack of TV coverage I didn't get to see that match as it was only the mini-league stage onwards that was televised. Additionally, Milan didn't participate since Sampdoria won the Serie A title. Interestingly it was the Italian team that met Barcelona, the media darlings in the final.

The game was better than the final the year before. I remember Michael Laudrup dribbling a lot and getting nowhere and Lombardo heading a lot (that's probably why he's bald I reckoned) while Koeman won the game with a typically thunderous free kick. Thanks to the weekly coverage of Serie A matches I was more familiar with Sampdoria's team - goalie Pagliuca (whom I always felt looked like a preppy version of Sylvester Stallone), Attilio Lombardo, Gianluca Vialli and captain Roberto Mancini. I remember thinking, if only Milan had played they would have shown Barcelona up. Again, I would have to wait for this eventuality.

Later that summer teammates Koeman and Laudrup would meet on opposite sides in the European Championship semi-final. Laudrup's Denmark would prevail on penalties.


1993 - Marseille 1 - 0 Milan

The first Champions' League final but altogether anaemic for me. I was so excited to see Milan make the final. I didn't get to see them win back to back titles in 89 and 90, so for me it was like seeing them 'finally' making it there as opposed to 'returning to the final' that the media kept mentioning.

The game was tepid as Milan huffed and puffed but seemed very tired, drained no doubt from their Serie A championship season. Marseille seemed one step ahead on all occasions despite their talismanic striker and best player from the previous season starting the final on the Milan bench - Jean Pierre Papin. Roberto Donadoni, who seemed sluggish, eventually came off for the Frenchman but Milan could not find a way through. Basil Boli scored a first half goal and Marseille sat back and protected their lead. I was very disappointed. But I wouldn't be for long.....

It emerged later that Marseille had bribed some French team (Valenciennes I think) to throw their final league game so that they would be rested for the final. They were stripped of various titles and relegated. I greeted this news with no small measure of glee. Milan promptly bought Marcel Desailly from Marseille.


1994 - Milan 4 - 0 Barcelona

Ah what a night. There has never been such an annhilation in a Champions' League Final. I suspect there never be another like it. Barcelona was actually lucky to lose only 4 - 0 as Dejan Savicevic (yes him again) hit the post twice. Barcelona was the supposed 'dream' team, media darlings, expected to brush aside the meaningless opposition of Milan who were missing Baresi and Costacurta through suspension.

Right from start to finish Milan, playing in white, dominated. Dejan Savicevic aptly demonstrated why he was one of the premier midfielders in the world, setting up 2 goals and scoring one himself. Marcel Desailly surged forward to score a brace while Daniele Massaro notched the fourth. Barcelona came expecting a cakewalk but were swept aside by an imperious, and perhaps wounded, Milan. From a footballing perspective, the best final ever. 2 attacking teams going full throttle at each other. Milan destroyed Barcelona - Capello completely outclassed Cruyff.

What made this year (1994) doubly special was Arsenal beating Parma in the Cup Winners' Cup final! The only sad note was that I never actually got to see that game.

Part 2 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional healthy strikeforce. All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.

A little wobbly

Liverpool
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses over all. In 2 cup ties: 2 home losses.

While sailing along smoothly in the league, Liverpool's showing in cup play have been worrying. Although some of those defeats can be attributed to the surely departing Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool's positioning and closing down of opposing players was poor. The talisman that is Steven Gerrard may play out the rest of the season the middle but his performances are increasingly hit or miss - terrific when on song, rubbish when not. Surely carrying an entire team on his shoulders is beginning to take it's toll.

Benitez will no doubt refocus and motivate them for the game against Barcelona - especially with the Catalan's looking a little leaden footed themselves, but Liverpool lack few matchwinners if the team as a whole is playing badly.

Lyon
3 wins 1 draw 4 losses overall . 4 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away loss 2 away wins.

I would never have thought Lyon would lose back to back matches all season, leave alone being winless in 5 in all competitions. I wouldn't write them off yet, as their collective talent, skill and experience still makes them formidable, but they do look to be reeling. Add in the fact that they replaced John Carew, whom I rate as bruising, crushing, centre forward with a rather ropey Milan Baros (goal on debut notwithstanding). Lyon's style is fast, fluid and direct. Although Baros would fit in perfectly in that style, he will need some time to gel and is still short on form. Carew however represented a different approach which could have served Lyon well if things were to ever get tight. Especially since they're still a little short on strikers.

They did notch up 2 away wins though, albeit against lower level opposition. Still, Lyon need to get a few solid wins under their belt before they meet Roma.

PSV
2 wins 2 losses overall. In 1 cup tie: 1 home win.

Think Lyon, but on a smaller scale and in Holland. PSV are still clear the top in Eredivisie but they're lead is down to 5 points and have split their 4 games. It could just be start of the year jitters coupled with the fact that they have one eye on their tie against Arsenal. Then again, AZ Alkmaar did play play but PSV were at home. The game before they were comprehensively beaten at Roda. So something's definitely up, since upto this point PSV had won 18 out of 21 with only 1 loss.

Milan
3 wins 2 draws 2 losses overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away losses.

Milan have never quite shaken off the sloth permanently all season. It seems Kaka and Pirlo are encases in this sludgy ether that prevents them from breaking free. They are mired in midtable and came unstuck in their first real test in the Coppa Italia, losing to Roma. Judging by the distance that separates them from Inter, one would have felt Milan's best chances of silverware this season would have been the Cup. Losses at Arezzo and Roma put paid that dream however and surely Ancellotti must be nervily loooking over his shoulder whenever he sees Galliani.

When teams are a little static and seem to be going through the motions without getting tangible results, common sense dictates getting a player that can turn things around and fire them up. Not at Milan though, who acquired Ronaldo, thereby ensuring that they will stay mired in the mud, both metaphorically, and judging by Ronaldo's physique, literally.

Barcelona
4 wins 3 draws 2 losses overall. In 3 cup ties: 1 home win 1 away win 1 home loss.

Being defending champions and one of the best teams in Europe has it's own set of expectations. Barcelona has not met those, ridiculously high they may be. Getafe and Espanyol first showed them to be a little impotent up front while Osasuna and Zaragoza have ensured the Catalans have gone 2 complete matches without scoring. Despite Saviola's impressive return, and Iniesta's consistent performances, Barcelona are in a slumber and need to wake up.

If the desire in Rijkaard's fist when he punched out of a glass panel during their defeat at Espanyol, could be channelled into his team, Liverpool are doomed. On current form however, Liverpool look primed for an upset.

Porto
1 win 2 losses overall. In 1 Cup tie: 1 home loss.

Hard to spot much of a trend here since they've only played 4 times. I will say this. Losing at home twice in both games since the start of the year is not the perfect tonic for a long continental run. Getting knocked out of the Cup and then losing at home to lower-midtable Estrela Amadora (gotta love the way that rolls off the tongue though) would certainly have given coach Ferreira a few worries. The integration of Argentine defender Lucas Mareque and Colombian striker Wason Renteria needs to be completed soon as well.

They still have a few games before meeting Chelsea but the gulf in class seems to have widened since 2007 started.

Wheels coming off ?

Real Madrid
2 wins 2 draws 3 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home draw 1 away draw (lost on away goals).

When purporting (however self-proclaimed) to be the world's biggest club one one expects a certain amount of class to emanate from the so ordained. Real possess none. With the death of the Galactico culture, they have ensureed that they now possess a team that is neither very good and not even marketable anymore. Their behavior after being second choice to the MLS was more worthy of 7 year old playground pup whose been told to get off the swings than a global giant about to embark on a winning run in the Champions' League.

Turns out they're pretty rubbish in the league too. Acquiring the two Argentines Higuain and Gago may pay off in the future but at the moment they are still too raw. Raul and Ruud look rustier than usual and their pathetic return of 2 goals in 7 games since the new year won't send shivers down anyone's spine - even in the MLS.

Bayern Munich
1 draw 2 losses overall. No cup ties.

Which brings us, finally, to that other moribund excuse for an erstwhile continental giant - Bayern Munchen. How far have the mighty fallen. The truth is, they've been slowly rotting in the Champions' League for a few seasons but only now has their disease become terminal. Ironically, the only team that may be worse off then them are their opponents, David Beckham's Real.

Bayern are off the pace in the Bundesliga and their style of play is being prescribed for insomniacs from Bavaria to Bremen. The latter, may not need them anymore, judging by the daylight opening up between their team and Bayern.

Tragically, one of these 2 will live to go into the hat for the quarterfinals, whereas elsewhere 2 of Lyon, Roma, PSV and Arsenal will go home.

Part 1 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional, healthy strikeforce. (All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.)

Running Smooth:

INTER
6 wins 1 draw overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away wins.

It seems the only thing preventing Inter from officially claiming the Serie A title is the suspension of the domestic championship. Luckily for Inter the Champions' League is more resilient to fan violence and considerably better supported financially. If the only worries for Roberto Mancini come matchday is whom to omit from the bench, he'll be content. Keeping this squad motivated, hungry and focussed is trickier than it may seem.. especially when you consider that one of Europe's other form teams, Valencia, pose their hardest test this year in the round of 16.

VALENCIA
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home loss 1 away draw.

Whereas the minor blip in the league against Betis can be put down to an away day blue (not so rare) in the notoriously cut-throat Primera Liga, more worrying for Quique Flores will be the elimination at the hands of Getafe. Madrid's third team is one of the tightest defensive units in the league and more akin to Inter than anyone else Valencia will meet this season. The prognosis was not good. The Kings' Cup may not rank high on Valencia's list or priorities this season but the Champions' League surely does, anything less than 100% against Inter and their continental adventure could be over by the first week of March.

CHELSEA
7 wins 2 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 3 home wins 1 away draw.

The sludge in the engine remains, some may say in the bulky frame of Ballack. Their wins have been barely functional and hardly imperious - but they've still been victories - and the hallmark of a good team is the ability to grind out a win even when not on song. Chelsea have regressed in the year since they last got knocked out by Barcelona, but they still pose a potent threat to anyone left in the draw. Now, they've gotten their defence back, as a bonus, Ballack has been injured in an International friendly. If only we could all lose dead weight from the middle that easily.

MANCHESTER UNITED
5 wins 1 draw 1 loss overall. In 2 cup ties: 2 homes wins.

They are the form team of the Premiership at the moment - churning out victories with refreshing and often ridiculous ease. Larsson's acquisition have given them further depth up front and Saha's return will boost them further. Their team is firing on all cylinders and all parts seem to be gelling at just the right time - from Vidic at the back to Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings.

Ferguson's only worry will be United's lack of cutting edge against teams who are not afraid of playing at them. Their defeat at Arsenal was comprehensive and for the first half hour against Spurs they were definitely outplayed. Whereas teams in the Premiership often surrender after conceding the first goal to United, their opponents in Europe will show more fight and gumption - and none more so than Lille who they face first up. The away leg of a cup tie should prove an acid test of their credentials.

Having said that though, few managers would pass on trading up with Alex Ferguson right now.

LILLE
4 wins 2 draws 1 loss overall. In 3 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 away loss.

The only team besides Arsenal and Inter who have managed multiple away wins in cup ties this calendar year - a very good statistic to have. The significance of an away win cannot be overstated enough. Cup ties on enemy turf are the most intimidating matches a team can face during a season - winning then are arguably the most impressive of the a team's season.

Lille seem to care little for reputation and will plunge themselves into any tie with relish and zest. Like a pack of young huskies who know no fear, Lille's physical approach will ruffle more than it's fair share of feathers. The injury to Mathieu Bodmer however could prove to be a serious setback - one hopes he can return in time for United. He, more than anyone symbolises the all action style of Lille.

CELTIC
6 wins overall. In 2 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away win.

Solid, well oiled, robust - they just keep winning. Celtic have made dominating in Scotland look even easier than normal. The loss of Shaun Maloney shouldn't make much difference as Celtic have enough players to compensate for his absence, with Paul Hartley's arrival ensuring that the midfield corps retains its depth and threat. Their pace against Milan's aging backline should be crucial - however their lack of matchplay against quality opposition will be telling, Dumbarton and Livingston are a far cry from teams they will meet in Europe. The irony being that no matter how good their domestic form is - it's Milan's form that will decide the tie.

Celtic should make sure they never lose that winning feeling or that winning attitude. Their tie against Milan could not come at a better time and if they do not have to travel to the San Siro for the away leg, their chances may increase substantially.

ROMA
3 wins 4 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 2 home wins 2 away draws.

They've been efficient rather than overpowering but they've added steel to their normally inconsistent performances. Milan may be limping a little right now, but Roma's victory over them in the Coppa Italia semifinals was still a good performance. 2 legged ties are often won by winning the home leg and holding out away. Roma have shown that they can do both. Their new found resilience and the fact that their opponents Lyon are in a slump themselves may make this tie tilt a little in their favour than before.

If Totti can keep his head and their midfield can swarm the opposition, progression is definitely on the cards. Their opponents look ripe for the taking.

ARSENAL
6 wins 3 draws overall. In 5 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 home win 1 home draw 1 away draw.

Unbeaten since the new year despite an injury list that seems to grow longer even longer every time they play. Arsenal seem to have welded grit, determination and resolve to their normally turbocharged frame. The gunners have never lacked the talent or skill to be successful in Europe but have now developed a clinical resilience that makes them harder to beat. Along with Chelsea, no one has played more times since the new year and just like their west London neighbours - are still unbeaten. More Importantly, no one has played Group Phase winners more often and crucially, beaten them.

If the comeback win against United at home was stellar, their back to back wallopings of a Liverpool side at Anfield are surely the pick of the bunch. Provided Arsenal stay healthy and retain focus, a place in the quaterfinals seems likely.

Random musings from all around.

Arsenal's youth players:
If Birmingham City win the Championship (basically Division 2), or at the very least return to the premiership, their windfall will be considerable. Surely Arsenal are entitled to a portion of that, a fourth or a fifth part, considering that 3 of their crucial players are Arsenal loanees, lead striker Niklas Bendtner, midfield anchor Fabrice Muamba and winger Sebastian Larsson? Perhaps, Steve Bruce will keep the amount to reconstruct himself a new nose. Perhaps I am being too cheeky.

Arsenal's youth player's part 2:
.. continuing on that note, since Arsenal's youth team reserve players, whether resident or on loan, seem to make mincemeat of most premiership teams (witness Birmingham's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle in the FA Cup, Arsenal's 6-3 win against Liverpool, etc, etc) and that Arsenal's first XI sometimes come unstuck against Fulham and co; wouldn't it be expedient to play (more of those) those players against the lesser lights of the Premiership ? I guess it would be too disrespectful to the likes of Sheffield United.

Fergie's gratitude to Reading:
If United do go on to win the title, can we assume that Stephen Hunt and Ibrahim Sonko will be invited to Ferguson's mansion for a sit down dinner, boot-kicking, red wine and all ?

Liverpool versus Chelsea:
Does Martin Tyler wet himself every time Riise scores (or comes close to) ? John Arne Riise's long distance drives are top quality, more often than not, but Martin Tyler's spontaneous orgiastic appreciation is surely a step too far. By the way, Doesn't Geremi look exactly like Mekhi Pfifer ?

Liverpool versus Chelsea part Cashley:
Ashley Cole has now contributed directly to atleast 5 goals conceded by Chelsea this season. To think Chelsea actually paid 5 million for his skills - that's one mil per goal. Good business Mr Kenyon!

Portsmouth and North London:
Now that there are 7 ex-Tottenham and ex-Arsenal players at Portsmouth, will intra squad games in training be called the North London Derby ? For the record,

ex-Arsenal: Lauren, Kanu, Sol Campbell, Andy Cole, Richard Hughes
ex-Tottenham: Pedro Mendes, Sean Davies, Noe Pamarot

Portsmouth and defenders:
Speaking of Portsmouth, how many discarded (and often rubbish) defenders can Harry Redknapp stockpile in hopes of rejuvenation. At last count he had 7.

Rubbish category: Traore (Liverpool), Andy Griffin and Andy O'Brien (Newcastle)
Unwanted: Sol Campbell and Lauren (Arsenal), Dejan Stefanovic (Sheffield Wednesday), Noe Pamarot (Tottenham)
It seems only Matthew Taylor and Linvoy Primus are current Portsmouth defenders who are there because they were considered to actually be any good.

Relegation and 4-0 thrashings:
As much as I enjoyed seeing Leeds get relegated in 2003-04 on the back of some splendid 4-0, does it hurt yet? thrashings by Arsenal, I must say it will be with no small measure of glee that I will watch Alan Pardew join the ranks of championship managers this May. Too bad he's taking Charlton with him - that's one less 4-0 thrashing I can count on. He won't have any foreigners too scream at down there though.

Overvalued English Players:
Now that Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire has scored 3 consecutive away goals will he be snapped up by one of Newcastle, Everton, Villa, Bolton in the off season - presumably for 10 million? If Ashley Young fetched that much, Matty boy cannot be far behind if he keeps this up (sic).

Alternative England XI:
If you could pick an England XI without anyone from the top 4 (say for a friendly match against middling opposition) whom would you pick ? For me:

(4-4-2)
Scott Carson

Liam Ridgewell
Michael Dawson
Gareth Barry
Matthew Taylor

Aaron Lennon
Joey Barton
Scott Parker
Stewart Downing

Jermain Defoe
Gabriel Agbonlahor

Andrew Johnson and Ledley King are injured.
Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas are rubbish.

Now they can't do much worse than the current lot, can they ?

Cheers.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester United

If this was a test of belief then Arsenal passed with flying colours. Stand up Gunners every where and salute.

The Premiership's most resilient team came back on home turf to snatch a deserved win over the league leaders. Arsenal beat United at their own game of winning at the death. The trip back to the gloomy north west of England will be so much gloomier for Fergie knowing that he has lost both games against Wenger this term. How decidedly delicious it is to speculate who Ferguson will kick a boot at this time.

Chelsea may be the current team to dislodge, their temporary wealth skewing the order of things in the premiership, but make no mistake, Arsenal is the team that gives Ferguson (among others) the most joy to beat. Arsenal is the team that gives most premiership teams nightmares.

Arsenal may not win the Premiership this season but have ensured that they remain the most dangerous team in the league while playing the best football. With this come-from-behind win they have completed an impressive quintet of wins over fellow big 4 clubs this season and have accomplished the double over the Red Devils. With Chelsea to visit and a trip to Anfield remaining, one can hope to see Arsenal add to that tally. And we're still unbeaten at home. Hopefully that streak can continue. Arsene Wenger stands vindicated in both his choice of approach and his backing of the kids.

I was concerned about Gilberto's absence in the middle of the park through suspension and Ronaldo's threat down the left troubling us on the break. In the event, Flamini put in a fairly good, tough performance in Gilberto's place while Rosicky on the other hand seemed to be a little wasteful overall. The Czech maestro is more than an adept shooter from distance but his aim and timing were woefully off in this game. Even though Hleb went off to be replaced by Baptista (who was anonymous), I felt the Belarussian breadman played a good game overall. He hustled, harried, ran and tackled, with his passing often angled more vertical than horizontal, as he probed the right side of United's stall for an opening.

Fabregas was the artiste in his element. He bossed the midfield at Old Trafford, he bossed the midfield here. Michael Carrick cost close to 19 million pounds, Fabregas cost Arsenal nothing. Carrick played well as a glorified ball retriever, Fabregas gave a demonstration on being a modern midfield maestro. If passing is an art, this man is master of his craft.

Senderos kept his concentration all game and had Larsson in his pocket for most of it. How Ferguson must be wishing he had started Saha in place of the Swede. Perhaps, Wenger's comment, that he was terrified of playing the Swede, had Fergie double-guessing himself. The Swiss youngster may have struggled against the physical approach of Saha, against the wily Swede, he had a smooth game. Toure, as ever, was a champion workhorse, matched only by his opposite number, the immense Vidic, at the other end of the park. The job he has done in anchoring this young squad, is admirable.

Eboue, despite himself, kept Ronaldo fairly quiet, even managing to get the Portugese wanker/winger/winker booked out of petulant frustration. A few nervous moments with his clearances and the odd clumsy challenge aside, the Ivorian was more than competent at right back and what a sweet cross it was indeed - textbook stuff, like at the start of the season. How vindicative it must be that after selling off one of their most consistent right backs of recent times, his replacement was instrumental in both containing and overcoming the threat of the league leaders. How Redknapp must be wishing Arsenal had let the other West African right back leave.

Clichy goes from strength to strength and judging by both his contribution to Arsenal's game this season (And Cashley's contribution to Chelsea's demise), he has more then replaced the money-grabbing Englishman in both team and spirit. His pacy counterattacks were balanced evenly by his dogged defending and critical interceptions. Eric Abidal must be nervously peering over his shoulder when considering the pecking order for the Les Blues's left back position.

Henry was sulking at times and a little peripheral it seemed but just as I sensed an unwilling sense of deja-vu, the captain came up with a flick-on assist and a gutsy headed winner. Tremendous Thierry, that was fantastic. He may have seemd a little unwilling to get stuck in, but boy did he rise to the occasion (no pun intended) when it was asked of him. His first half header was an apology to centre forwards everywhere, but his second half winner was a clinic in big time delivery with the head. Va-va Voom!

You sensed that, with bringing Van Persie on, Wenger switched to a more direct style in Arsenal's attacking approach. Uptil then, like on innumerable times in the last 3 seasons, Arsenal prevaricated when a more direct approach presented itself. With the exception of Rosicky of course, but he was so woeful with his shooting, it didn't matter. Tactically there is an advantage of playing the ball back to the cavalry, arriving in numbers in and around the box, when the ball is played long to the foremost attacker. By dragging the ball back and square, it pays off, on occasion, to tee someone else up in a better situation. However, Vidic and Rio were so composed in their positioning, and Carrick was so in the way, that dragbacks inevitably resulted in the ball going back to square one in the middle of the park. I was glad, therefore, to see Van Persie, never a stranger to direct, selfish shooting, positioned at the far post when Henry's flick on arrived there, rather than one our more selfless midfielders.

It was delightfully self-indulgent to see Van Persie and Henry pull the trigger, the Dutchman's sweet one time shot rifling into the roof of the net to send Ashburton Grove into hysterics while Eboue's late cross to Henry condemned United to a comprehensive defeat. Direct style: two goals from four attempts; short passing approach play: zero goals from the entire game till then. Numbers rarely lie.

Adebayor's tireless approach was illustrated in one sequence where, after running close to 50 yards to retrieve the ball, he placed it on the corner of six yard box for Van der Sar to take. Typically United, Van der Sar proceeded to waste time by shifting the ball onto the other corner. If any gesture signaled that United were a little concerned, perhaps even scared, it was that little piece of pathetic gamesmanship. One can talk all they want about the need to rush the ball back into play, but few Premiership footballers would have spent so much energy on what was, eventually, a fruitless endeavour. In my mind, Adebayor was neck and neck with Vidic, when he received Fabregas' long ball and was flagged for being offside. Had he scored, it would be nothing less than he deserved.

How fitting it was then, to see Ferguson whine at the end, when Lehmann, in the final moments, with Arsenal leading, proceeded to do a little time wasting himself. Pot calling the kettle black ? No, Sir Alex, as you sow so you reap.

Finally Lehmann, what can you say ? The German was solid at the back, keeping out 3 shots that may have trickled in. The entire game, he was only out of position once, and when you consider the aerial bombardment as well asd long distance shooting that United subjected him to, that is an achievement in itself. Lehmann led from the back and started what Henry finished at the other end.

A truly awesome, whole hearted team performance from Arsenal.

Next time Arsenal meet United, in perhaps the FA Cup or the Champions' League, you can rest assured that Ferguson will revert to employing the muscular physical approach that served him well the last time Arsenal were in direct ascendancy over them - the 2002-03 and 2003-2004 seasons. They will resort to being more forceful and rough in the middle of the park. If anything, United missed the brutish style of Saha and O'Shea when they were leading. I will however, not complain. This game reiterated once more that no one (and no one) can outfootball Arsenal. Full credit to United for playing football though and trying to beat Arsenal at it.

2-1 to the Arsenal. Wenger must be proud.

Welcome everyone.

Today we have an Interview with Gabriele Porri, Serie A fan and expert.
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How are you Gabriele? Especially knowing that Inter and Milan are now alleged to have engaged in illegal bookkeeping? Juventus leading the probe then? ;-)

It’s just the result of many and many years of bad administration of Italian football. We knew the facts: Inter and Milan exchanged some young players, overrating their value so that the incomes were put in the balance sheet of the current year, while the payments were spread over many years (and it was possible according to a law done by Government Berlusconi). Anyway, also Juventus (so they cannot leave the probe), AS Roma, Lazio, Genoa and Sampdoria are alleged. The problem is there are no enough rules in Italian sport law against this malpractice, and the same persons that sent away commissioner Rossi (the man who would have made new rules), now would like to see those teams punished.

What do you make of the season so far?

Well, the “problem” is that Inter is dominating, but I don’t think is due to Juventus’ absence. I think that 20 teams are too much for main League in Italy. Anyway, we could see in first half some good matches and good goals.

Biggest Surprise ? Team and Player.

Team is Catania, newcomer and fourth, player is Cristiano Doni of Atalanta: I didn’t expect he would have been back to Italy at the age of 33, playing so good as he did in 2002

Biggest Disappointment ? Team and Player.

AC Milan, without penalty they would be 20 points behind Inter, player Oliveira, compared to 20 million Euros Milan spent for him.

Will Inter hold on and win the Scudetto? Can they go unbeaten? If they take the Coppa Italia seriously can they win the Treble ?

I think Inter will win the Scudetto at the end, but it’s difficult they go unbeaten for 38 games. For sure Mancini takes seriously the Coppa Italia as he won it many times both as a player and a coach, but the Treble is very difficult. In Europe there’s a tough competition, I’d say Inter has 15% probability.

What do you make of Javier Zanetti's resurgence and Dejan Stankovic in general?

I think Javier Zanetti’s great season is also due to his very good physical condition, which is necessary for him to do well. Stankovic has always been one of my favourite midfielders, has a great shot, now he can also play in the position he likes more, and he is only 29. I think Inter has a super midfielder for 5 years more.

Can Palermo cement its place in the top 4/5 (6th in '05, 5th in 06 and now 3rd) or will it's lack of financial muscle cause it drop down into mid-table security/obscurity?

Palermo is a toy in its chairman’s hands. It’s up to Zamparini if Palermo will stay in top 4-5 for the next years or not. Well, I think Palermo fans are happy about choosing between these two options: in the recent past they knew bankruptcies and a lot of seasons in Serie C (Third Division)!

What do you make of Ronaldo coming to Milan?

In my opinion, AC Milan will have a good striker, but also a 30 years old overweight man. Maybe he will bring them to 4th place, but he’s not the same player we saw in black and blue jersey in 1997-98.

Do you think Ricardo Oliveira is a bust or just needs more time to settle?

Do you know what AC Milan fans and some media said when he came to Milan? That signing Oliveira, whose agent was Ronaldinho’s brother, would have been the key to sign the Brazilian star next year. Today, Ronaldinho’s brother isn’t his agent anymore. Don’t know if Oliveira is a bust (let’s give him a choice in the second half), surely he’s not a star.

Best player pickup in the off-season? Was it Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter?

I think so, Ibra has the potential to become one of the 2-3 top European players. He has very good technical and athletic skills, it’s incredible what he can do with his enormous feet!

Will Parma get relegated and then sell off even more of its players?

Parma is one of the main candidates to be relegated, and it’s a pity how this glorious team fell-in. Don’t know what’s going on with its public sale, anyway their hope is the big number of young players.

Can Roma ever get consistent enough to mount a serious challenge again? Do you think Francesco Totti will end his career there?

I think it’s easier that the pope leaves Rome rather than Totti!

AS Roma has just a problem: their starting 11 is one of the best, but the other players cannot replace them the same way.

Udinese this season, are they underachieving or just really mid-table material? Will Antonio Di Natale and the 2 Ghanaians - Gyan Asamoah and Sulley Muntari - move onto to greener pastures in the off-season?

I think Udinese could qualify to UEFA Cup, but they did wrong sacking Galeone. Iaquinta is the Udinese player the other teams seek most, let’s wait and see. Maybe Muntari will leave, but he’s not so good in this season, too nervous and already sent off three times!

Messina were top 2 of Serie A briefly and now are one spot above the trapdoor - how come? Will they drop down?

It will be difficult for them to avoid relegation, especially now that Storari and Di Napoli have been sold.

Who has the best Youth Development System in Serie A - Empoli? Atalanta? Roma?

Empoli, Roma but also Juventus in last years.

Who is better this season - Sampdoria's Cristiano Zenoni or Udinese's Damiano Zenoni? Who do you think has had a better career so far?

This year Damiano is doing better, but Cristian in his career has won 2 Scudetti when he was in Juventus, so I think he had a better career

Is Mancini the best attacking right winger/wingback in Serie A - what about Serginho?

Mancini is one of the best, Serginho prefers to play in the left side and this year is injured.

Can Emiliano Bonazzoli at Sampdoria go on to become a top forward? What about Francesco Flachi?

Bonazzoli is one of those eternal hopes that never become top players, but he is 27 and hasn’t missed the last train yet. Flachi isn’t a star, but really a good Serie A player

Similarly, who do you think is a better striker - Milan's Alberto Gilardino or Fiorentina's Luca Toni?

I do prefer Toni, but you must consider that Gilardino is 24 and Toni when he was 24 used to play in a small club like Vicenza, and was at his very first year in Serie A

In Serie A which young player do you tip for greatness? Ricardo Montolivo? Alberto Aquilani?

I’d say Aquilani has better skills than Montolivo, in this half season I have been impressed by Alessanro Rosina of Torino and Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria

Roughly between 1997 and 2001 Serie A had become a little stale, too defensive, not enough flair players being successful, too many fouls. Since Roma won in 2001 things have changed it seems, with the final product on the pitch being more entertaining - would you agree?

Well, I do not agree completely, between 1997 and 2001 you could see players as Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio, Del Piero, Weah: in those seasons (until 2002) clubs used to win the Scudetto at the very last step. Maybe now it is more entertaining, but less interesting

Finally, what would you like to see changed for the better in Serie A in the future?

Less teams, 16 or 18, comfortable stadiums with many services, more and more rigid rules on the administration side, new people on the top of our Football Association (Carraro isn’t anymore at FIGC, and who they are thinking about? Antonio Matarrese who is 67 and became president for the first time 20 years ago), more attention to young players and Youth Development.

Inter's time is coming.

In every championship season, there comes a moment that proves to be the definitive challenge for a team. Usually it's a match, sometimes it's a transfer, other times a press conference gone horribly wrong (Kevin Keegan anyone) or terribly well. Often this moment is preceded by smaller challenges, each an obstacle to greatness in themselves, each one slightly bigger than the one previous. But they are all preludes to that big, critical moment when the team in question must finally rise to the challenge and define their season - go on to glory or fall by the wayside.

On Feb 21, 2007, Inter take on Valencia at the San Siro. Two weeks later they meet again at the Mestella. For Internazionale, this tie, is the defining point of their season. If they can beat the Ches they may well go on to win the Champions' League in addition to the Serie A title.

So far, this season, they have disposed of Milan in the Milan derby with ridiculous ease, the 4-3 scoreline notwithstanding, banishing some demons from earlier hidings they have gotten in that fixture (a Maurizio Ganz inspired 6-0 win in May 2001). They have beaten erstwhile contendors Palermo as well as second placed Roma, both away from home. Those matches may have settled the issue on the domestic front, lending an inevitability to the notion that the Nerazzuri may indeed, finally win the title again. However, they cannot finish the season having fulfilled their potential and ambition if they do not come close to winning the Champions' League as well. This may well be their best chance. So far they have answered all the critics to lay the foundation for a memorable season. To that end the tilt against Valencia is more seminal than any other tie this season.

Arsenal's 2003-04 unbeaten season was forged in the heated cauldron of a premeiership season where more physical and better heeled teams sought to knock them off their perch with both brawny tactics and money. As much as the draws against Manchester United counted - notably the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford - Arsenal's crucial moment came when they went into the half time break down 2-1 against Liverpool, days after having been knocked out of both the Champions' League and FA Cup. On that occasion, Henry scored a hat-trick and singlehandedly dragged Arsenal back into the match and onto the league title, unbeaten, unconquered, invincible.

Likewise, Arsenal's league and Cup doubles in both 2002 and 1998 were sealed with comprehensive dismantlings of rivals United at Old Trafford both times - Overmars and Wiltord step forward.

Barcelona's first league title under Riijkaard and with Ronaldinho was cemented with a clinical win over arch rivals Real Madrid. Milan's unbeaten season in 1991-92 was based as much on the zero in the looses column as on the win over Juventus in the Del Alpi. United's treble win in 1999 had it's seminal moments aplenty - Dennis Bergkamp's missed penalty in the FA Cup replay and Winterburn's broken nose against Leeds, not to mention, Pippo Inzaghi putting Juve up 2-0 within 11 minutes in the Champions' League semi-final second leg. Heck even Porto's sublime treble season in 2004 had it's critical juncture, the tie against United in the Champions' League knockout rounds. The list goes on.

Teams have been there before, and winked, Arsenal versus Chelsea in the Champions' League Quarterfinals in 2003-04. Arsenal versus Manchester United, in the FA Cup semifinals in both 1999 and 2004. Inter, on the last day of the 2001-02 season. Milan, in the second leg against Deportivo in the Champions' League in 2003-04. Eternal French Champions' Olympique Lyon, when they contrived to lose to Milan in the Champions' League quarterfinals last year.

Quite simply, Inter, must hold their nerve.

If, Inter do go on to complete a most unique unbeaten league title (their matches against Milan and Roma seem to be the only obstacles on that course) and add to that the Champions' League, they would have replaced the demons in the trophy cabinet with some pretigious silverware. And as a Milan and Arsenal fan, I will be the first to congratulate them.

Game on then