The King Meets the Queen

(Oh okay, I got that title from the Sun.) Arsenal had tea with the Queen yesterday, and look how cute they all look, esp our favorite. However, Rosicky needs to get his pants hemmed.

It's been busy chez moi, so haven't been able to vent about the Bolton FA Cup game. First of all, I would have been PISSED if we hadn't one, given that spectacularly missed penalty. Good thing I like Gilberto. Now Baptista, on the other hand. I do kinda like him, and feel bad for him. Maybe he's in emotional turmoil. Maybe he needs to get used to the English game. But Arsene, for god's sake. Stop starting him for important games. Freddie should have been up front from the beginning.

That said, what a game! We really did play well, and should have made about 5 more goals, including that amazing shot from Rosicky. To be fair, Bolton had their chances as well. I was watching Anelka dribble, and he dribbles exactly like Henry -- same style. But let me say this, dude, you're no Henry.

I hear Aliadiere might be starting tomorrow, though, so glad to see he's getting his due. Denilson was also pretty amazing, so maybe him as well? I hope everyone's been practicing penalties...I'm sure Savage can give them one. And how long before RVP is back? I miss him.

Heartache

I won't run down the match, since I was talking to Mel for most of it and had it on mute. The only thing I have to say is that I agree with Wigan, the referee'ing sucked -- they missed a penalty, and one of our goals was ruled offsides when it wasn't. And that own goal must feel terrible when they played so well. Really. Sorry Wigan, I didn't want you to win, but you shouldn't have lost like this.

That said, theirs wasn't the only heart breaking on Sunday. WHAT is going on with Arsenal? What happened to our defense??? We looked terrible, terrible. I'm not sure how we can comfortably beat Manchester United and Liverpool, and suck against Watford, Sheffield and Wigan -- and the latter AT HOME! Bolton must be on cloud nine. I've never seen Henry pissed off before, so that was something, and I'm not sure it deserved a yellow card, but that little show by Lehmann at the end was completely uncalled for. He really is a bit of a dick. Still think we should get Buffon to take his place.

I understand the Wigan manager is going to appeal to the FA for bad officiating. I don't blame him, but if they do review it, they'll see that Adebayor wasn't offsides, so the score will still stand. Right?

Speaking of Aragones...

Remember the "black shit" comment about everyone's favorite player? According to Spanish courts -- NOT racist. Riighhhht. (And is it just me or does he look an awful lot like Cheney? How apropos.)

Brazil 0-2 Portugal

So I worked till 10:30 last night, so I was able to watch the re-broadcast of the Brazil-Portugal friendly. First Brazil -- I now, finally, get what Dunga is trying to do, and I agree with him. Brazil needs to stop relying on the Ronaldo's and even Ronaldinho's of the world, and work up a strong (and young) bench. Plus they need to start playing as a team. So, while they didn't always look great last night -- Kaka is still pretty amazing, and Diego was brought on way too late -- I'm sure my second-favorite team will come around.

That said. Portugal. I only like them because of Deco and Ronaldo, both of whom had great games yesterday. Quaresma also played well. But Ronaldo! Jesus he's good. He's already one of the best players in the world -- like top 5, right? -- and of course he's all of 22, so will only get better. I'm not sure I've seen anyone (er, in the past year, that is, since I've been following international soccer) with his pace -- not even Henry, and that's saying a lot. So we'll see. Having said that, CR -- cut out the antics. You're so good you don't need to dive. And I'm not the only one who thinks you should leave England.

Today's big game??? France v Argentina. The Argentinians have said the person they fear the most is Henry. Ha Ha -- but fingers crossed. I'm already nervous. And England v Spain. If I didn't hate Aragones so much I would be rooting for Spain.

Another Red Card Travesty, but Henry Still King

So that red card for Senderos was just complete, total bullshit. MAYBE it was worth a penalty, MAYBE a yellow, but red!!! Anyone who saw the replay would agree that Viduka's elbow to Toure was FAR more deserving of red than this little thing. So the idea that Boro earned the draw is ridiculous. Arsenal had a million more shots on goal, and were actually playing pretty well, even after they were a man down. We deserved to win, and honestly, it's a travesty that we didn't. Stupid, stupid ref.

THAT SAID, Henry!!!!!!! What a goal. It's love. Yes it is. Love.