jimmy two times

I have never really enjoy watching them for the reasons you have mentioned. I knew very early in the semi that we were going to lose. There was a loose ball which Bale could have got to if he'd busted a gut but the Pompey player pounced on it like a wild animal catching it's prey. Bale just ambled along and made no attempt to win ball. At that moment I knew we'd lose. I reckon Spurs just thought sooner or later they'd get a couple of goals so no need to panic. Yet I watch Barcelona regularly and the work-rate of their players off the ball is so impressive, especially coming from a group of such talented players.

I agree Jah but unfortunately even pro footballers need motivation at times, otherwise why would there be teamtalks in the first place? Once tiredness and fatigue creeps in a few choice words can do the trick and give a boost. The players do need to take responsibility as well though. Bloody Spurs...always flatter to deceive and ultimately never deliver the goods.

Woofmarkthedog as a Tottenham fan I have often found myself sectioned under the mental health act over the years. Mere counselling cannot help, only strong anti-hallucinetic drugs do the trick. Mind you, I'd have thought Arsene Wenger and the rest of the Arsenal team are regulars at Victims Support. I mean, fancy being tackled by opponents during football matches! That's bullying.

I think Redknapp should take a lot of responsibility for Tottenham's performance on sunday. I don't think he motivated the team well enough prior to extra time. A lot of the players were sitting on the ground and I once remember hearing Bobby Charlton saying that Alf Ramsey ensured none of the players did this when England were about to play extra time in the 1966 world cup final. According to Charlton the German players were all knackered and slumped on the pitch but psychologically seeing the England players all still on their feet crushed their morale.

Sorry Legalbeagle no offence intended. It was such a great set up that I just couldn't resist it and once I started writing it I just had to Carry On.

I'm really sorry to hear that Dodo1. How traumatic for you to witness all those untaxed cars. That must have been awful. I think you should call the Police immediately. They are brilliant at dealing with this type of thing and may even be able to get you some counselling with Victims Support. You are so brave posting it on the forum. Hang in there.

now I don't even get tradesman ! Does that mean noone even uses uses your tradesman entrance anymore?

I agree Barcelona were brilliant and have been playing very well over last few weeks, at just the right time at the business end of the season. Not sure how accurate you are in your assessment of the level of info made available to English commentators. Sky are pretty good when covering games regarding any tactical adjustments a team may make prior to kick off.

A statue of Del Boy ?

More drug dealers.

Or tell a few jokes.

Who'd be a Ref eh? Poor Kuntz never get anything right.....and that's not a German ref by the way.

I think the only German who was trying to get him booked was Bastian Schweinhunt. But it was a disgrace the way they Wolfganged up on the Ref.

I wouldn't say Robben's goal was a soft goal Sandperson. It was absolutely brilliant and required excellent technique.

I don't think your stats were that wrong.

You also forgot Carrick for Man U. I'd also include players from the British Isles in general so you could add Fletcher, Gibson, Giggs. Man U do pretty well on this front but Arsenal's quota of British players is shocking. Anyway, my point about the low amount of German players in Bayern team was because Fergie called Bayern typical Germans.

There were actually only 5 Germans in the Bayern team and the manager is Dutch.

Good thing too.

What a fantastic performance from Barcelona and Messi last night. I hope Wenger has learned some lessons from a very humbling defeat from the team who he is trying to emulate. One of the first things he could do is to promote a better work ethic in his team. A key feature of Barcelona's success is their off the ball work and how hard they pressurize their opponents when they do not have the ball. They are not the biggest team in the world yet they still seem to match anyone physically and Messi epitomises this with his unselfish work rate. Also ,like Arsenal, many of Barcelona's squad are products of their academy. Unlike Arsenal most are Spanish players. Xavi, Iniesta, Pique, Puyol, Pedro, Busquets, Valdez, Bojan. How many English players are produced by Arsenal's academy? In their team last night the answer was none. Walcott was bought from Southampton. What happened to the talented Jake Wilshire? He's on loan at Bolton. Wenger does nothing to promote English players and I don't think he trusts them technically.

Gallas is no loss but Fabregas is. I Feel sorry for the lad as he must be out of world cup now as well. Could last night have been his last game for Arsenal? Not sure how much Barcelona need him though with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.

Just a Gigolo - David Lee Roth

They'd better hurry up as it's soon to become Waitrose.

What's happened to Wenger the once calm, sanguine professor? These days he just stands on the touchline doing his big bird impression waving his arms. Last night he was totally demented, screaming at his players waving his arms so much I thought he was going to take off.

I thought Barcelona were superb and Arsenal were lucky. Fair play to them for showing the resolve to come back....but they were still lucky and have just postponed the inevitable: Defeat at the Nou Camp. Barcelona absolutely played Arsenal off the park in their own backyard. Let's make no mistake, it takes a special team to go to the ground of one of Europe's top teams and do that. Their passing and movement is exceptional but so too is their pressing play when they don't have the ball. Reminiscent of Arrigo Sacchi's great A C Milan side in the early nineties. I think in the end they probably paid the price for the amount of effort they put in with and without the ball and we're caught by Walcott's pace.

I can't see beyond Brazil and I know that's a very predictable choice. They have pace, power, strength and an abundance of natural skill. They are also very well organised under Dunga. I'd love to see Spain do well as they play great football, but I wonder if they have peaked too soon? Holland would be a good outside bet if they can avoid internal in-fighting. I think the weather conditions in South Africa will suit European teams as it will be winter during the World Cup and it gets pretty cold by all accounts. I can't see England winning the thing. Not enough quality in the team and a weak keeper.