Credit to the unstoppable Ace Cowboy for tipping me off to the incredible goal dance celebration between Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse. After do some research via the Black Cats message boards and video sites, it turns out it was inspired by Dance Hall music. Go figure. If my photo-shopping skills were better I'd have been Santa Claus hats on them, either way hope it sets up up for the holiday spirit.
Though they lag behind in the usual things, like dental care and fine cuisine, you've got to hand it to the English for packing the festive calendar full of games. The players and managers might not love a jam/crammed slate of games, but we fans can relish in it. Is there a better combo than Wayne Rooney and egg nog? I think not.
Friday
* Stoke City vs. Manchester United -- (Live, Setanta 7:45 a.m.) Little know fact, an ancient Japanese sake hangover cure involves the Pulis leaf. ... Stoke 1, Manchester United 2
* Chelsea v. West Brom -- (Live, FSC, 8 a.m.) Chelsea will be without John Terry after his sliding two-foot tackle on Leon Osman. Watching that game, Chelsea were pretty fortunate to leave Goodison Park with a point all things considered. The Blues have sputtered a bit, but even on their best day the Baggies don't have the defensive fortitude to hold out for 90 minutes. ... Chelsea 2, West Brom 0
* Portsmouth v. West Ham United -- Hungry wolves will be circling Fratton Park as soon as this is over to pick through the bones for some January bargains. ... Pompey 1, West Ham 0
* Tottenham v. Fulham -- (Live, Setanta Xtra, 8 a.m.) Mini-London Derby. You'd think Spurs are due a good performance, while Fulham is due a clunker. Get Harry Redknapp a Santa hat for the touchline, please. That's my one Christmas wish. (And for my torn cartilage in my knee to heal on its own.) ... Spurs 2, Fulham 1
* Liverpool v. Bolton -- (Live, Setanta, 10 a.m.) I've actually been very impressed that Liverpool has maintained a top two position considering its weekly Jekyll and Hyde routine. ... Liverpool 1, Bolton 0
* Manchester City v. Hull City -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) Early front runner for the title of the Citeh 2008-09 DVD season review -- "The Curious Case of Manchester City." Hull, after it's ass-whooping by Wigan a few weeks ago, came back and sprung a few upsets. The Tigers have guts. ... Man City 1, Hull City 2
* Middlesbrough v. Everton -- Speaking of guts, Everton have it in spades, while 'Boro could use it -- and an enlargement of their currently Grinch-sized heart. ... 'Boro 0, Everton 1
* Sunderland v. Blackburn (Live, Setanta Xtra, 10 a.m.) All of a sudden this is actually a good game. It might even play out like one too, with the talented striker tandems on each side. ... Sunderland 1, Blackburn 1
* Wigan Athletic v. Newcastle Untied -- Who nets a bigger return when they're eventually sold either next month or in the summer -- Zaki or Owen? ... Wigan 2, Newcastle 1
* Aston Villa v. Arsenal -- (Live, FSC, 12:30 p.m.) Here's a thought. Everyone talks about how young Arsenal is, but how about Aston Villa? James Milner and Gabby Agbonlahor are both 22 and Ashley Young is 23. That should count for something going forward? Is it offset by ancient, though evergreen, American keeper Brad Friedel? As for Arsenal, what is Arsene Wenger asking Père Noël for this Christmas? A replacement for Cesc Fabregas, now out until April? But who? Can Abou Diaby and Denilson keep the Gunners afloat in the league and the Champions League? Can Wenger pry Patrick Viera away from Inter and hope to recapture some magic for three months? Though he's very tricksy, Andrei Arshavin is not the same kind of player as Fabregas, and Arsenal already have plenty of players with his sort of attributes. There is no arguing Fabregas was the glue that's held Arsenal together, so he's pretty much irreplaceable. If this were an American sports team Arsenal would be excused for calling it a lost season, but it can't fold up the tent. The club certainly banks on being in the Champions League every year, so it needs the revenue, but should it sink transfer funds on a quick fix which might not work? Bottom line, Arsenal needs to show up at Villa Park and quash doubters like me, ASAP. ... Aston Villa 3, Arsenal 1
Last round: 4-5
Season: 73-102
Labels: Prem League, Prem Picks, Soccer
Fulham isn't losing till Jan. Mark my words!
Did you see the Robinho goal celebration on Boxing Day? It was an epileptic donkey trying to kick itself, and then he fell on the ground with his legs up for Caicedo to play ob-gyn. Too bad Robinho was doing it solo. I guess the Jones-Cisse "Kid N Play" steps still win the prize.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1902697/
By the way, for Christmas - Caicedo seems to have received all of Jo's remaining playing time. That 19 million must be looking like a great investment.