Fads in February 07

1. Singapore are the kings of ASEAN football after beating the Walk-out team, Thailand 3-2 over 2 legs.

2. Real Madrid lost 0-1 to lowly Levante in the 1,000th match to be staged at the Bernabeu. One can imagine whose head the 75,000 crowd were calling.

3. Around three quarters of Jakarta was under water.

4. Liverpool FC are under American ownership.

5. Anna Nicole Smith died.

6. The dipping fortunes of England football coach, Steve McClaren continues…

7. Britney Spears shaves her head bald.

8. The Police reunites!

9. No. 1 football goal celebration: The Golf Swing.

10. U turn of the month: Capello fielding Beckham and praising him soon after.

11. Johor’s leaders has it that Johor floods is caused by Singapore’s land reclamation works.

12. "Best quote" coming out of the Great Singapore Bashing – “You’II get nowhere with them either being nice or being tough, they only think of themselves”.

13. The Great Biomedical Debate and Organ Opt-Out outrage rages…For the former, I’m with the “voice in the wilderness” and the latter, I’m truly disappointed with the way things are handled.

All-London thriller at Cardiff

A Cup final between a squad of raw young talent against another of expensively assembled seasoned professionals. True…this young team lost 2-1 in a thrilling encounter. The manner in which they fought… the future for Arsenal is bright. In the coming seasons, this young team that will come of age, will certainly go down as the best Arsenal side ever.

In the first 20 minutes, it was Arsenal all the way. They virtually pinned down Chelsea. Theo Walcott was all over the pitch, he was a natural. Playing his best game so far, his passing and running was top flight. He combined well with Diaby to scoop the ball past Cech in the 11th minute.

Somehow, Didier Drogba scored two well-taken goals and won the game. The Elephant’s goals came in the time when Arsenal were dishing out sequences of expert ball passing and wonder play. Forget the score… Cesc, Diaby, Denilson and Walcott were zipping around the park like seasoned pros. They truly ran the midfield pound for pound against a side of world class midfielders.

Talking about football brawls, I really wish that Keown, Lauren and Vieira were around. They would have wind up those Chel$ea hoodlums. Let's face it... I really admire Vieira's guts whenever he faces off with Roy Keane and also that spat with West Ham's Neil Ruddock.

Let’s put aside John Terry’s head injury, the melee, the rash of 3 red cards. This match should be remembered for how great this young Gunners will grow to be, one day.

Rappin', Illin', Rhythm & Stealin'

I was surprised to hear that The Beastie Boys performed in the Good Vibrations Festival held on Monday evening, 19 Feb 2007 at the Fort Canning. Ya... Singapore is opening up, I thought. An act like The Beastie Boys was allowed to “come here” or rather, they “make their way past” the local authorities.

It is really 20 years late…I was pretty into rap music in 1986. It was because of “Licensed to Ill”. Frankly, this album is one of my personal favourites. It really got me hooked up to rap or humour rap.

In the 80s, they were everywhere. It was like, you know, the only white rappers around. I really love their boisterous antics then, I can’t remember, one of them was always wearing that Volkswagon sign, the tossing and spillng of Budweiser beer cans around. Ha ha…I actually bought and snipped Budweiser beer at 7-Eleven way back then, it was my way of identifying with The Beastie Boys. I felt connected. Me and the beer swilling frat boys. Cool.

I guess that’s what we call…growing up. During one’s youth, being rebellious, wild and being anti-establishment were the buzz. Such excesses back then, could be boiled down to the folly of youth. Perhaps, it could be the genuine need to express one’s inner devil or simply, to be yourself. Strangely, rap is sort of associated with such tendencies. The anger, the angst...

When Run DMC and Aerosmith combined to give us the ultimate rap rock number, “Walk This Way”. It was a sheer delight. Those no-shoelace Adidas sneakers were cool too! “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice was pretty cool back then. Actually, I would cringe and shudder if I hear it again.

Other favourites of mine include “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. I think this rap number has got sheer power and dynamite in it. "Reckless" by Ice T was fast and furious. “Parents Just Don’t Understand” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince was fun. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer started a craze on being hip to be seen wearing baggy pants.

Other rap gems which had left lasting impression include Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing”, LL Cool J’s romantic rap number, “I Need Love”. Marky Mark’s “Wild Side” transported one to those tough ghettos. Of late, I mean in recent years, the only mentionable ones are “Gangsta's Paradise” by Coolio and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

When's your turn?

The CNY season is about to fade away…. just around few years ago, I really dread CNY. You know, when one is single…well meaning relatives and friends would bombard you with those “When’s your turn?” questions. As a single back then, I really dread this moment.

CNY is not just about spring cleaning, mandarin oranges, bak kwa, mahjong sessions and house visiting…I don’t believe it. I brought my baby girl for visits this CNY… I am still not spared…. “When is the next one coming?” Quite rightly, I cringed!

Oh my, conversations would always be centred around this theme. It really doesn’t help much when TV kept rolling out those old and ridiculous Chinese movie re-runs. Thank God, we didn’t get “Once Upon A Time in China” again. I can almost move around like Master Huang. No kidding, I really think I saw the first and second installments around 7 times each. I’ve also outgrown Stephen Chow movies. I really find his antics, truly tiresome.

I still dread CNY… can’t really get over CNY songs by our TV artistes, newscasters are even dragged along to sing! Champion evergreen CNY songs are those belted out by Ms Long Piao Piao. I heard it in malls every year. She just wouldn’t go away.

Just a wicked thought…imagine one is at a relative’s funeral wake. You try telling those older relatives…”When’s your turn?” I bet ya…all hell’s gonna break loose.

They were the rock

During the late 80s and right through the 90s, this few men were the rock at Highbury. I am talking about Adams, Dixon, Bould, Keown and Winterburn. It may be quite unlikely we would see an all-English backline in an Arsenal team again…They played a huge part in what seems like the meanest defence in the then First Division. The combination of these individuals brought increased appeal to the art of defending.

They had courage, intelligence and determination. They presented themselves well with a truly formidable presence when the chips are down and the team is facing the crunch.

Tony Adams, who can argue that he is not the one who was so tireless in inspiring and ever urging his teammates on. Who else would be so passionate and resilient till the end? He is perhaps, one of the most influential captains or figures in the history of Arsenal. To me, no doubt, he is Mr Arsenal.

To gooners, we will know… Right is Dixon and Left is Winterburn. This two are the best…forever displaying the athleticism, enthusiasm, fiery bravery and alertness. They were efficient at the back and nimble flank raiders when the need arises. They possess the skills and speed of what some traditional wingers lack. Overlapping runs, whipping in wicked crosses and cracking open many a locked rearguard are just part of their repertoire. Mind you…they also have the knack of scoring cracking goals.

Next comes Bould and Keown. The central defenders. Tough, ruthless and uncompromising. They brought streetwise toughness to effective consistency to the pitch. I believe…for those trying to crack the Arsenal backline then, facing them must be a daunting task. I can’t say more… they are always there. Hoofing clearances, incisive tackles, neutralising strikers, heading dangerous crosses away and turning dangerous situations to a sea of calm are their hallmarks.

I musn’t forget Andy Linighan. I will never forget his blood covered face when he rose and sent a bullet header into the goal. It was at the final moments of extra-time in the Wembley replay against Sheffield Wednesday in 1993. That header prevented a penatly shoot-out and won the FA Cup.

They had, at all times, exuding authority at the rearguard for Arsenal, home and away, week in and week out. It is served out with unreserved enthusiasm and well-drilled discipline. In the movie, Full Monty, when the male strippers raised their arms in unison…quite strangely, it seems like a tribute to Adams and company, the upstretched arms screaming…”offside, offside”!

Their desire and hunger burnt so brightly towards the tail-end of their careers at Highbury. It would take exceptional players to replace them. Campbell, Luzhny, Lauren, Cole, Silvinho, Stephanovs, Cygan and company have came and gone. Now, the defensive duties have fallen on Hoyte, Clichy, Toure, Ebuoe, Gallas and Senderos. May this generation of defenders settle, meet the challenges and do their predecessors proud. The challenge right now is to serve with distinction.

An Ecuadorian sting

Oh dear, Arsenal tasted defeat on Dutch soil for the first time in Euro competition. Hopes of progressing towards the quarter-finals in the Champions League took a knock.

It was a game where chances were far and few. Tomas Rosicky combined well with The Cesc on midfield and PSV had difficulties handling them. I dare conclude that it was all Arsenal during the first half.

After 61 minutes, Edison Mendez drilled a low range shot beyond Jens Lehmann's right. The German was at full stretch… to no avail. No debate, the Gunners gave too much space and time for the Ecuadorian to score the winner with a right-foot strike.

In fairness, Rosicky, Henry and The Cesc all had chances… spurned ones. Gutsy PSV just did enough to hold on for the slender win.

Never mind, we’ve got to take heart that the Gunners performed well at the Philips. They were unlucky to lose. Well, in two weeks’ time, let’s hope the Gunners right all the wrongs against PSV at the Emirates. I am confident they would.

Let’s not ponder too much…this coming Sunday, there’s the Carling Cup final against Chel$ea at the Millennium Stadium to savour.

Between the posts

Since the time I’ve supported Arsenal till the present-day, this club have always the distinction of having a long line of great goalkeepers. From Jennings, Lukic, Seaman, Manninger to Lehmann. They were absolutely flawless between the posts.

My personal favourite was Pat Jennings. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Padang many years ago. He was with Tony Woodcock, another Arsenal great. They were in Singapore for some SCC six or seven-a-side football tournament.

The strong line of keepers at Arsenal seems like a tradition. They are the rock, they are pretty calm, instilling confidence among the backline. Their magical hands plucked swung-in crosses with ease and great composure. They offered near-impossible goalmouth saves with their renowned reflexes.

Pat Jennings, very often, made the goalkeeping task look so easy. He just had that great positional sense. To me, Jennings is the Gentle Giant. John Lukic, the tall custodian was to me, the unfashionable and unspectacular keeper. Wait a minute… he is also the great shot-stopper, and his great goal kicks can start a wave of Arsenal attack right from the goalmouth.

Turning to David Seaman, another Highbury great. I think he is among the best in England, besides Banks, Shilton and Clemence. Seaman was pretty the top flight keeper during the 90s. He was faultless, very much the finished article. Many a times, he left us wondering on how did he manage to pull off those humanly impossible saves. He claimed crosses with the slightest of fuss and goalmouth ball melee were rescued with extreme calm. In short, he was simply sensational.

Calm. Never a term to describe Jens Lehmann. This German is one hot-headed chap with a liking for the occassional madness. But, I must say he was absolutely magnificent during the run-up to the Champions League Final in Paris last year. If not for his goalmouth reflex claw against Real Madrid and that penalty save against Riquelme, Arsenal wouldn’t have made their way to the Final against Barcelona.

Of course, there are also Jimmy Rimmer, George Wood, Vince Bartram, Alan Miller, Stuart Taylor, Richard Wright, Mart Poom and Manuel Almunia.

So, we have it… the great custodians of Arsenal. With Lehmann’s possible exit at the end of season 2006/07… who will be next? Scott Carson? Only Le Boss knows.

Simply frustrating...

The way Blackburn played... it was obvious, to play negatively for a draw and gain a replay at Ewood Park. It did worked... Blackburn avoided defeat.

Brad Friedel's amazing double save in the final minutes sure as hell pissed me off. If that had gone in... it would have avoided an otherwise crowded diary. In the 81st minute, the referee denied the Gunners of a perfectly legitimate penalty claim. Stephen Warnock clearly took down Aliadiere. What a shame.

The Gunners probably had enough chances to kill off Blackburn. Never mind... we've got the Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven coming up and the Carling Cup final this coming Sunday.

Actually, it is pretty flattering that visiting teams come to the Emirates, defend deep and play negatively. It just shows that the opposition knows that if they were to come at and play open football. Arsenal will murder them! Great to see the return of No. 10 Gallas!

Thriller at Bogey ground

This was a thriller at the Bogey ground. What drama… extra time, two missed penalties, one sending off. Truly dramatic, entertaining, nerve wrecking and nail-biting to the end.

The Denilson-Diaby midfield pairing was a success. Denilson was the silky one while Diaby emulating Vieira, gave the Gunners a robust edge in central midfield. Hleb and Rosicky simply wreck havoc along the flanks during the first half. This match saw the return of Ljunberg appearing after a long lay-off. It was his goal that became the decisive moment of the match.

The Gunners failed to capitalize on Emmanuel Adebayor's early goal. His goal was pure picture perfect ball passing and sweeping ball movement. Denilson and Hleb were much involved with the build up leading to Adebayor’s ninth goal of the season.

It looked pretty lost cause when Gilberto Silva hit a rugby shot with his penalty. Extra time beckons as Bolton’s Abdoulaye Méïté scored an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage-time.
Ljungberg’s great left-foot shot in extra time put the Gunners in pole position. Arsenal could even afford another penalty miss through The Beast. The night ended with a Adebayor's tap-in after good work by The Beast seconds from the end of extra time.

Frankly, it was a football match where the Gunners could have wrapped it up easily in normal time. Alas, they “opted” the harder way, plus the ordeal of two wasted penalties. I wonder did anyone see Henry do the dance steps with Adebayor?

The potential of this youth set in Arsenal sure looks promising. It seems that in football, age doesn’t matter, when you are good enough, you are old enough.

Rosicky's first

As usual, the away team scoring first at the Emirates. This time around, deep into the second half, I was panicking… can the Gunners level it, force a draw, let alone win the match? I had my doubts…

At the end of 90 minutes… What a relief! Final score reads 2-1. An Arsenal win.

The last 9 minutes saw Arsenal storming back with two goals. Firstly, Fitz Hall scoring an own goal after Mathieu Flamini’s low cross from the right. Then, just five minutes later, Tomas Rosicky flying in with a close-range header for his first Premiership goal. Terrific cut back cross from the Beast, I dare say.

I have always thought well of Chris Kirkland as an excellent up and coming young goalkeeper during his time at Liverpool. After last night’s match, that opinion changed. Besides his injury woes, he is actually quite good at time wasting. Quite oddly, Lehmann got a yellow card for time wasting near the end of the match. Football is a strange game. A team’s fortunes can change just in a matter of minutes.

Well, the record still stays intact. Any visiting team that had scored first would either leave the Emirates with a draw or loss. No one has won there yet.

Quite amazing… Landzaat’s screamer, Heskey’s incredible miss, Flamini’s quite certain penalty area foul and Rosicky’s first. What a match to end my weekend.

Most worrying photo of 2006

This is perhaps, the most disturbing photo of 2006. A fan rushing to Henry and handed him a Barcelona jersey. When I saw it, I was thinking… oh no, don’t let this be true. Thank God, he didn’t go to the Nou Camp.

Most touching moment of 2006

It sure was the poignant moment of 2006. Henry kissing the lush Highbury turf for the last time. That act probably sent many hearts racing. Was he kissing this sacred ground goodbye? All season long, all gooners were kept wondering…would he stay or go?

Finally, he inked a new contract that would keep him with Arsenal for the rest of his career. I can’t imagine an Arsenal team stepping to the pitch at the Emirates stadium without skipper Thierry Henry. He is irreplaceable.

Precious Moments

Winning the English Championship was never easy and shall remain sweet...

- White Hart Lane '71

- Anfield '89

- Old Trafford '02

- White Hart Lane '04

1989 was memorable... the winning goal was scored at the final minute in the final match of the season. 2002 at Old Trafford was sweet... winning at the Hairdryer's turf. 2004 was incredible, going through the entire season unbeaten.

To the rescue

Thierry Henry is so important for Arsenal. He demonstrated his importance once again… hitting a late equalizer for 10-men Gunners. As usual, it was a vital goal, earning them an away point after they were reduced to 10 men by the dismissal of Philippe Senderos.

The Swiss defender was sent off for hauling down Yakubu in the 63rd minute. Thank God… Lehmann did not get himself sent off as well. The game itself was dull in the first half. Things come to life after the first half.

It was a game of few opportunities, Henry’s finish was a classic crisp finish after Adebayor had leaped high to nod the ball to his path.

A draw was a fair result for both teams.

Young Guns blazing to Cardiff

Chel$ea, High Noon at Cardiff… last night, the young Gunners gave us plenty to cheer with a smacking 3-1 extra time win over our long-suffering foe, Tottenham.

I thought the Gunners were on their way when Adebayor ghosted in from the left and scored in the 77th minute. Alas, Mido headed the equaliser five minutes from time.

Come extra time, Aliadiere whipped in the second goal. Thanks to Spurs’ Rocha, who headed tamely to the Frenchman’s path. In the 112th minute, Rosicky’s effort came off the post and via Chimbonda before rolling in. 3-1! The Emirates erupt.

I thought the Spurs players were pretty rough…Ghaly and some others. Gunner Denilson was pretty illustrious as he peppered Robinson with a few long range shots.

I forsee… Thierry Henry lifting the League Cup at the Milleniuum Stadium as end-February beckons…