The Round Football Column 01.05.09: 173rd Edition - Robben Magic, FA Cup Shocks, More

Posted by  on 01.05.2009

2009 is up and running with Arjen Robben continuing his epic form in La Liga, Nottingham Forest shocking the world's richest club, Yaya Toure turning into Pele, 2008 awards, plus more. One Click Away.

"Go whistle in a small, dark room!"

Happy New Year to most of you. Some of you are probably losers or idiots. If that applies to you, be honest, and refuse to accept such greetings.

We'll start today with some big awards for the year of 2008. All the players and teams want these awards. It would be the pinnacle of their careers if they bagged one. Here goes:

BEST GAME

Arsenal v Man. United was the best game. Sevilla's 4-3 win at The Bernabeu was an amazing contest, Holland's first two Euro 2008 games were exceptional but one-sided, Liverpool v Arsenal in the Champions League was superb, the Champions League Final was shockingly brilliant and Arsenal v Tottenham was epic for the neutrals, but Arsenal's clash with Man. United was the cream. It wasn't one-sided, both teams were exceptional, there were big moments, good goals, and just brilliant football drama from start to finish.

BEST MOMENT

Loads of big moments, including Liverpool and Arsenal's wins at Stamford Bridge, Torres' goal in the Euro 2008 Final, Lennon's goal at The Emirates (vomit everywhere), Rio Ferdinand in goal during Man. United v Portsmouth's FA Cup clash, the last 60 seconds of Turkey v Croatia, plus a ton more, but the winner is Nihat for his late winner against the Czech Republic at Euro 2008. Pure drama.

BEST PLAYER

Fake Ronaldo was the best player of 2007-08, but for the whole of 2008 someone else deserves a nod. He had a shit Euro 2008 and has only scored against rubbish teams so far this season. So, the nod goes to Ronaldo's team-mate, Rio Ferdinand. He's been impeccable throughout the year and only Pepe comes close to him in the ‘best defender' stakes.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Sergio Aguero v Barcelona near the end of last season. Two goals and two assists. He was insanely good in such a big game, and truly announced himself after months of great form.

BEST TEAM PERFORMANCE

Barcelona in their 6-1 win over Atletico Madrid. They were ridiculous that night.

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER

It would be easy to say Andrei Arshavin, but he only had four good games. The nod goes to Ezequiel Lavezzi of Napoli and Argentina. The fella is gonna be a superstar.

UNSUNG HERO

One of Pepe Reina, Anatoli Tymoschuk, Gael Clichy or Andres Iniesta. All are still not given enough credit.

BIGGEST STORY

That night on Sky Sports News when the Man. City takeover was announced, the Berbatov bid was made and then the Robinho transfer was announced.

BIGGEST SHOCK

Barnsley's run to the FA Cup semis was pretty crazy. The win at Anfield, then the home win against Chelsea. It was all pretty insane.

GREATEST THING FOOTBALL-RELATED IN 2008






Twenty Prem games have been and gone since we last spoke. The turkey, presents and Home Alone movies can distract one's memory, but it's clear that Liverpool looked mighty impressive when some thought they would cave, Arsenal and Aston Villa produced one hell of a game, Phil Brown did something weird, Big Kenners and Crazy Djib started some crazy dance every time Sunderland scored, Clint Dempsey somehow scored a brace against Chelsea, and Man. United stuttered to two 1-0 wins against crap opposition.

Then the FA Cup took over, and in fairness Setanta and ITV did a good job in making the competition look interesting and important – the way it should be.

Nottingham Forest's win over a pretty much full strength Man. City side was bizarre. There's something seriously wrong at Eastlands right now. Micah Richards should get the blame. He should be blamed for everything. Why do people think he's so good? He's bloody useless.

The mighty Kettering Town moved on to round four. That was funny.

As was Forest Green's epic with Man. United's bitches, Derby.

The Dell isn't what it used to be. Mainly because it's called St. Mary's now, and Man. United weren't going to concede six goals this time. They won 3-0.

Albert Riera scored a quality goal as Liverpool won 2-0 at Preston.

Leon Osman netted a belter at Macclesfield.

Now Liverpool and Everton will meet in round four. A bit of genuine excitement could be on the cards.

James Milner eased the Villa through at Gillingham.

Plus loads more that you already know. Let's move on...




Arjen Robben must have done something special over Christmas to make sure he didn't lose that unbelievable form he had before the break.

As ‘The Hunter' and ‘Lass' made their debuts at The Bernabeu, Robben blew them all away with the only goal against Villarreal:



David Silva obviously received some shooting boots in his Christmas stocking, as he scored two in Valencia's 3-1 home win over Atletico Madrid. Sergio Aguero must be getting sick of his inconsistent team-mates. He'll surely be off in the summer.

A 91st minute Osasuna equaliser stopped Sevilla pretending to gain ground on Barcelona.

Barcelona themselves picked up where they left off in 2008. Aduriz scored a sublime opener for Mallorca in Camp Nou, but reality was restored later in the night. Thierry Henry scored a superb goal, for which he'll have another four years at the top level if he keeps producing spontaneous instincts like that, then Andres Iniesta scored on his return from injury, before BlahBlah Toure went on an heroic jinking run for the third. It's fun to watch highlights, so here you go:






No games in Italy, but Beckham's making his debut against Roma this weekend. Does that interest you? Does it?


THE WEEK AHEAD...

Carling Cup – Semi Final, First Legs

Tuesday 6th

Tottenham v Burnley 2-1

Wednesday 7th

Derby v Man. United 1-5


Premier League

Saturday 10th

Arsenal v Bolton 2-1
Aston Villa v West Brom 3-1
Everton v Hull 2-0
Fulham v Blackburn 2-1
Middlesbrough v Sunderland 0-1
Newcastle v West Ham 2-1
Portsmouth v Man. City 1-2
Stoke v Liverpool 0-4

Sunday 11th

Man. United v Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Tottenham 2-1


That Man. United v Chelsea game looks quite interesting.

Until next week...