This is a “Where was I?” morning for me.
We’ve been away, so today is a catch-up day. I’ve no opinions because I’ve hardly thought about football all week.
Went round the corner just now and saw my gambling Gooner greengrocer taking some potted plants out of the back of his van.
“I’ve been in Scotland, John. I haven’t even seen Match of the Day yet.”
“We was a bit lucky, Myles.”
“Tackle by Fabregas, I hear.”
“He was a bit lucky an’ all.”
Match of the Day was on at 10.45pm in England and 11.45pm in Scotland .
Surprised that Essien scored for Chelsea because I didn’t think he’d play. But not too surprised that Chamakh scored two goals.
He had a bad game against Newcastle in an Arsenal team that had a bad game. At Wolves he won the match to earn three vital points. It’s unusual for a striker to score two goals 90 minutes apart- and when they’re the only goals in the game. Chamakh headed in the first after 37 seconds, scored the other goal at the death.
On Wednesday our hotel bar had Sky Sports on a big screen, but when I arrived to watch the Manchester derby, half a dozen grown-ups were watching Hearts v Celtic on ESPN.
The barman told me there was quiet room at the back of a nearby sports bar. Sure enough, the main bar was full of guys shouting as loudly as if they were in a stadium, but the back room was relatively secluded and sensible. I noted that Hernandez was on the bench. We didn’t have Martin Tyler’s commentary but I was with some students who came in just before kick-off. They were friendly, funny and nice, especially the girls, who led the cabaret. Some were footballers who told me about their injuries and rehab.
As well as United v City on the big plasma screen, we had Hearts v Celtic on a monitor high up to our right. There were curses and screams of pain when Hearts scored their second goal, I caught scoreflashes from other games, heard some opinions and had a few laughs, so it was a fun night despite the tight and dismal 0-0 draw.
About eight years ago I found that the company of parents was becoming tedious, and that I preferred kids, who are faster, more surprising, more entertaining. This lot were quite lively and fairly typical. I won’t mention any names or say where we were.
The way this week panned out, Friday was always going to be a lazy day, a chill-out day. After coming back from the gym, from my usual stretches, some cycling, a swim, and a rest in the steam room, I’ll have dinner and watch Mad Men and Match of the Day.
It’s great to be jolted out on your routine, fantastic to see old friends & hear Scottish accents again, but, at the same time, it’s comforting to re-connect with normal life.
This quick post is just to say, “Hello, I know nothing today.” And to admit that I haven’t seen your ANR Comments since Tuesday.
Will put up something tomorrow and maybe reply to a few emails.
Have a good weekend.
Don’t storm Tory HQ again.