Top of the Table Show-downs

La Liga: Barcelona v. Real Madrid (a.k.a. El Clasico)

Finally, an El Clasico that began to live up to its hype. In the past few years especially it has devolved into a one-sided affair, despite the considerable hoopla in the run-up. And while both sides missed chances (looking at you Ronaldo and Messi) on the night, it was actually an entertianing match that came down to the cool calm of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his 56th minute winner.

Did you know that Figo was once pelted with a pig's head after crossing the divide from Barca to Madrid? Here's some more info on El Clasico, if you just can't get enough fun facts about the rivalry.

EPL: Chelsea v. Arsenal

A competitive contest until the last three minutes of the first half. Wenger's wonder kids failed to capitalize on their early dominance, and it was left to the always dynamic Didier Drogba to take it early and finish it late, as he seized the initiative and the win from the young Gunners (with a little help from Thomas Vermaelen, of course). The win at the Emirates solidified Chelsea's hold of the top spot, while Arsenal relinquished third place to on-form Tottenham.

Messi Wins the Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi is officially the best player in the world. Messi became the first Argentinian player to win the award and the sixth Barcelona player to receive the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Just rewards for his record-breaking treble season with Barca triumphing in the Champions League, La Liga, and in the Copa del Rey.

The 96 France Football voters gave Messi a near perfect 473 points out of a possible 480 points, putting him far ahead of other competitors for the honor. Ronaldo garnered 233 votes to put him in second place (the only non-Barca player in the top four); he was followed by Xavi (170), Andres Iniesta (149), and Samuel Eto'o (75).

Great Goals of the Decade

The Guardian just published a list of the top six goals from the last decade.

1. Leo Messi, Barcelona v. Getafe, La Liga, April 2007



2. Esteban Cambiasso, Argentina v. Serbia, World Cup Group Stage, June 2006



3. Wayne Rooney, Everton v. Arsenal, Premier League, October 2002



4. Rivaldo, Barcelona v. Valencia, La Liga, June 2001



5. Andres Vasquez, Gothenburg v. Orebro, May 2007



6. Paul Peschisolido, Sheffield Utd v. Nottingham Forest, May 2003
   
   

We might suggest one of Ronaldo's wonder strikes or Ronaldinho's juggling wonder. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Man Utd in Trouble?

In happier, title winning times.

Maybe not trouble, but a Nathan Lowe article points to some troubling personnel problems.

Nani is no Beckham, Berbatov is no Van Nistelrooy, and no one is the next Ronaldo, who, Lowe points out, is "the difference between United's last three winning seasons and now."

While Fletcher and Carrick endeavor admirably, Scholes and Giggs have slowed understandably and there has been no midfield player sufficiently skilled to drive play in their places.

United lacks an irresistable attacking force. Actually, to be honest, they lack anything that resembles attacking fluidity and tend to rely on capitalizing on chances that they luck into, which can work for a while with players like Rooney and Vidic, but will do little in the ways of guaranteeing hardware at the end of the season. Add to that defensive frailties and a retiring number one keeper and major titles next season look even less likely.

So, while Ferguson has ruled out big signings in the January window, the question is: can he afford to do so over the summer signing period? Or will Valencia and Obertan et al have to develop alongside a new big name?

Champions League Round-Up

Ronnie returns.

• Higuain is scoring, Kaka is clicking and Ronaldo is returning. All is well for Madrid and just in time for El Clasico.
• As for their Clasico rivals, Barcelona seized initiative in their crucial match against Inter Milan, but advancement is still very much up in the air.
• Bordeaux took firm control of their group, leaving Juventus and Bayern to fight it out for second place.
• Chelsea and Arsenal pulled out wins against Porto and Standard Lige respectively, while Man Utd stumbled against Besiktas at home and Liverpool crashed out. But Rafa got a vote of confidence, well, um, until this...

• In the great tradition of Scouser/Manconian rivalry, Gary Neville then decided to rub salt into the Kop's open fleshy wound.

Spurs Score NINE

Not against a top four team mind you, but we're hear to concentrate on the postitives (or the negatives, for those who hail from certain parts of Manchester).

The scoreline is truly astonishing. Tottenham pounded Wigan into submission, scoring nine and conceding a sole goal , which was nearly upstaged by the goal scorer's black and white cookie inspired hair-do.

Spurs put on a blistering performance, highlighted by Jermaine Defoe's five goal second half, which was surely a sight for sore England eyes. Add to that Aaron Lennon's inspired wing performance, and the recent, post-Brazil die down in Three Lions hype for next years' World Cup is already on the rebound. Perhaps more importantly, the north London club will be supremely confident going into the heart of the season, having burnished their credentials for a place in Europe next year and being level on points with Arsenal.

P [dot] S Paul, if you're reading this, we respect the folicle fearlessness, but it just doesn't work for you, dear. More generally, food cravings are not something from which to take hair inspiration. Remember the time you wanted a slushie? Well, that didn't turn out well either.

End of the Week News Round-Up

Letting you know exactly how he feels.

• Never one to shy away from controversy, Keano agrees with our Henry assessment. Well, sort of.
  

• Speaking of that game, FIFA turned down Ireland's replay request.
  

• A match fixing ring so huge even the New York Times reported on it.
  


• It's okay to breathe again Pellegirini, your golden boy will be rejoining you soon.