Totally against the run of play.

Just as the Premier League wallowed into another month of surprises, everyone's predictions were swiftly buried in the snow. Manchester City's ability to turn logic on its head acquired legendary status with another opportunity frittered away. Everton's fourth successive victory away at Eastlands ensured Roberto Mancini's chin kept wobbling more furiously than a turkey's on Christmas Eve. If City can take one positive from last evening, it was Carlos Tevez's sudden reversal of his transfer request decision. However, it's anyone's guess if he'll stay at Eastlands beyond the summer.

Manchester United now seem in pole position to cement their spot at no. 1 with two games in hand and a squad injected with a new sense of belief. It remains to be seen if Chelsea on the other hand have turned over the tide and can get back to winning ways. There is little evidence to suggest Arsenal can still mount a serious challenge. They give a good account of themselves every time they step out on the pitch. Sadly, it doesn't always last the duration of 90 minutes. And the results are always against the run of play. Just like the Premier League falling foul of the adverse weather.

Dead before the ship even sinks.

The same old methodology, a continued penchant for ignoring talent, over-reliance on the old guard; England's recipe for disastrous showings at major competitions remains unchanged. Thanks to Don Fabio Capello. What else explains his burning desire to resurrect Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Jamie Carragher from the dead? Or to recall Matthew Upson after his abysmal defending allowed Germany to romp ahead in Bloemfontein? Or to include the listless Michael Carrick ahead of the more deserving Tom Huddlestone and Scott Parker? How Aaron Lennon continues to be snubbed remains as much of a mystery as the inclusion of Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Well, Capello at least deserves some credit for being consistent. Being England manager is far from easy. But to be uniformly incompetent, is remarkable. Capello pulls it off with gumption, considerably backed by an equally inept English FA. It's hard to believe the world of football has seen a larger congregation of dimwits. The only probable difference between them and the French Football Federation is the latter has the wisdom to admit problems and remedy the situation. Such wisdom has been alien to the FA ever since Crowded House hit #1 in the UK with Recurring Dream. In contrast, England's nightmares continue to haunt them.

Before becoming England manager, Capello had never managed a national team. He plied his trade at wealthy clubs where recruits of the highest order were in plentiful supply: AS Roma, AC Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid. As a result, he could always wield fear as a weapon, knowing that should he fall out with any of his stars, there was an expensive replacement waiting elsewhere who could be summoned at the waft of the chairman’s chequebook. At the helm of English football's Holy Grail, it's a different kettle of fish. You pick players on merit, you groom a younger breed and you always have a plan B. Sadly, these tenets have never figured on Capello's agenda.

There were large-scale changes mooted after England's horror show at the World Cup. But barring the retirement of Emile Heskey, Wes Brown and Paul Robinson, there's been nothing remotely earth-shattering. The FA wouldn't dispense with Capello's services and invite more humiliation following their apparent wisdom (of its lack thereof) to renew his contract a month before England's ill-fated World Cup. While the problems continue to escalate, the solutions are few and far in between. The truth is, England's brave new world will have to wait until the FA shed their cloak of spinelessness and get England back in the saddle, in the finest English traditions.

We're back in business... and how!

Chelsea hit the ground running with a 6-0 demolition job at the Bridge on Saturday. It wasn't the most hospitable return to the Premier League for West Brom, who were ripped to shreds by a marauding Chelsea. Didier Drogba carried on from where he left off last season with Lampard and Malouda looking equally ominous. It was also a morale-boosting start for Manchester United, whose sores many believed might still be seeping after they let Chelsea slip through the back door last season. Newcastle gave a decent account of themselves although it hardly matched up to Paul Scholes' masterly display at the heart of the United midfield.

Manchester City's technicolour dreamcoat didn't exactly come through with flying colours against this season's Champions League hopefuls – Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs were in complete control and should've come away with all three points but for the heroics of Joe Hart in the City goal. Roberto Mancini's glowing verdict of the game was nothing more than a veiled defence of his underperforming stars. But City will be expected to rake in the points sooner or later or else Mancini will be left to suffer the indignity that now taints Mark Hughes' resumé. Hopefully, the arrival of Mario Balotelli and James Milner might serve to complete the jigsaw.

If there's a team that's looking to mount a serious challenge this season, it's Blackpool. Wigan didn't do themselves any favours with a shambolic defensive display but a 0-4 drubbing at home was something they least expected and a repeat of which they could ill afford. There's still a bit of wheeling and dealing on the agenda of most clubs with Blackpool, Fulham, Bolton and West Ham in particular focus. The depth of Blackburn's coffers hinge largely on the status of the imminent takeover, with Sam Allardyce set to receive a cash boost of £100 million. The luxury he won't have is time, with the transfer window set to close in less than two weeks.

Arsenal and Liverpool played out a tense yet exciting 1-1 draw at Anfield. While Arsenal enjoyed lengthy spells of possession, it was Liverpool who drew first blood. Arsenal's pretty passing was pleasing to the eye but hardly troubled the Liverpool defence. In fact, Liverpool owed a measure of gratitude to referee Martin Atkinson for sending off debutant Jole Cole deep into first half injury time. Having gone down to 10 men, Liverpool looked more likely to pocket all three points until Pepe Reina's 'butterfingers' moment. There's still no sign of a new top-class goalkeeper at the Emirates stadium. It could be another Arsenal season that ends in tears.

The show is over, the game goes on.

Spain shattered a wall of disbelief and underachievement to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup after a rather cagey, tense and scrappy final. Paul the Octopus' almost unblemished track record continued. Andreas Iniesta showed just why he's considered a genius. Alongside Xavi in central midfield, the two in unison proved they have the armoury to unlock any defence.

English referee Howard Webb will be remembered for his catalogue of debatable decisions through the night; from his handling of Nigel De Jong's kung-fu kick on Xabi Alonso to his failure to award Netherlands a corner minutes before Spain's eventual goal. But it wasn't a particularly easy game to referee, and contrary to popular belief, Webb did fairly well.

Well, the curtains may have come down on the world's greatest sporting event, but the beautiful game goes on. Speaking of beautiful, it's now Arsenal in focus. Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny have put pen to paper. Potential signings have kept the rumour mill busy. But Arsene Wenger's keeping his cards close to his chest, as always.

The octopus lives to see another day.

It was Paul the oracle octopus up against some mathematical mumbo jumbo that's been doing the rounds of cyberspace, tipping Germany to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately for the Mannschaft and 80 million Germans, Paul's divination was correct and mathematical statistics were left red in the face.

We had seen Joachim Loew's team pump four goals against Australia, England and Argentina each. Unfortunately, the fluidity of their game deserted them against a disciplined and patient Spain. The world will wonder how much of Paul's prediction would have disoriented Germany when they stepped on to the pitch last night.

The truth is Spain did what they do best. Keep possession. Pass it around. And then slide a killer pass at the slightest opportunity. Germany were living on the edge for most parts but kept closing the door on Spain. Carles Puyol eventually rose to the occasion and ensured his team made it through to their first ever final.

Spain must realise it's a different kettle of fish against the Netherlands. Only three Spain players have found the back of the net so far, with David Villa's five goals making the Barcelona striker responsible for the lion's share. Iniesta and Puyol are the only others to have a goal to their credit. Something of a concern.

The first World Cup in Africa has something different to offer. A new world champion. For the Dutch, it's a third trip to the title game, having lost in 1974 and 1978. Spain have never made it past the semi finals. Thankfully for both teams the result won't be decided by the hunger pangs of a tentacled oracle.

Is Germany the new Brazil?

The heat inside the World Cup crucible has reached boiling point. France, Italy, England, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina have been forced out the door. Only weeks ago, people were clamouring about Europe being pipped to the finish by South America. It's now down to the last four and that speculation has been ruthlessly dismissed with the Netherlands, Spain and Germany making the grade.

Speaking of ruthless, Germany have laid down a real marker in their bid to claim football's biggest prize for the fourth time. But what's more interesting to note is the manner in which they've gone about their business. 13 goals in 5 games in their run up to the semi final. Slick passing, terrific movement on and off the ball, stoic discipline in defence; the positives are generously well layered.

So what is it that drives at the heart of this German team, and how? Franz Beckenbauer was bang on with his conjecture on how efficient this team is. They can dictate the tempo of the game, win the ball back with consummate ease and score goals at will. The fact that both Argentina and England have suffered the indignity gives reason to believe that Germany has a fair measure of world-class quality.

Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski have all shown that it's not about pace and skill as much as it is about movement and guile, in and around the box. Schweinsteiger, Özil and Khedira look totally in control with or without the ball at their feet. At the back, Friedrich, Mertesacker and Lahm can do no wrong and Manuel Neuer in goal provides the brushstroke that completes the painting.

Germany face Spain in an all-European semi-final on Wednesday, 7th July 2010 in Durban. So far, every time the Germans have swept forward in attack, defences have looked barely in the same postcode. To have Germany grace the last four is almost the natural order of things in World Cup football. But can they disprove the 14/1 odds quoted on them before the tournament began?

That's the way the cookie crumbles.

A colloquial expression, with origins that trace back to the 1920s in the USA. Often used to underline a failure of an action, or dissapointment in reaching an undesired result, with the additional meaning that the result was not an unexpected one.

Arsenal's ever-unpredictable title race finally hit a brick wall. There will be no silverware at the Emirates Stadium this year. Every time supporters of the Premier League’s most watchable side have dared to fantasise about glory this season, the rug has been swept from under their feet in almost apocalyptic fashion. Just when they felt that Chelsea were hungover from sniffing too much champagne and that Manchester United could not keep dredging up last-gasp goals, Wigan hammered the nails in Arsenal’s already battered coffin. With a two-goal advantage shortly after the break against a largely profligate Wigan Athletic team who seemed to be gently slipping through the relegation trap-door, Arsenal discovered yet another way to demonstrate why there is no such thing as a foregone conclusion in the Premier League. Three goals in 10 minutes that clearly illustrated the failings of Arsene Wenger and his aversion to invest in proven mettle to paper over his threadbare squad. The lack of established reinforcements in defence, a world-class striker and a quality goalkeeper. Case closed.

Wenger has a long way to go before he can disprove the assertion of a self-confessed admirer, his former Monaco midfielder Glenn Hoddle, who said perceptively if a little dejectedly of Arsenal last week: "Every year, they've got a good team for the future."

A bit of flesh on the bones.

Robin Van Persie will make his comeback tonight as Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London Derby at White Harte Lane. It's over five months since his last run-out, but the Dutchman will smacking his lips on the bench hoping for a slice of the action. Having scored nine times in his previous 11 games before sustaining the injury, Van Persie will now seek to recapture his early season form. Had he remained fit, Arsenal might have been better placed in the table. But with four games to go, Manchester United staring down the barrel and Chelsea holding on to a narrow lead, Arsenal finally have a little bit of firepower upfront to press for a final surge.

Not Rooney, but a bit more expensive.

Manchester United's title hopes appear dead in the water after a stalemate at Ewood Park last night. Blackburn have only lost three times at home this season, so the odds were heavily stacked against United. Starved of quality service and bereft of any real creativity, Berbatov toiled through the night but couldn't earn those three valuable points for his faltering team. Not to say Berbatov was the most ineffectual performer on the night, but his price tag confers expectations to influence a game in the way Rooney might have had. At times, he found himself at right-back and defensive midfield positions appearing increasingly frustrated with his team-mates. But even all of those callisthenics couldn't alter the result at the end of 90 minutes. It begs the question whether Sir Alex Ferguson's £30.75 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur has been given a rope long enough to decide whether he can be branded a failure. At £5.15 million more than what Wayne Rooney cost United, I think yes.

Hobbling over the finishing line.

So the men in blue have made it to the final of the FA Cup 2010. Providing them with the opposition could be either Spurs or Portsmouth. I've got my money on a London derby, with all due respect to Pompey that is. But I don't suppose all the turmoil would in any way help press their chances for a second FA Cup final appearance in two years.

Barely recovered from the horrors of the 7-1 demolition job at Stamford Bridge, Aston Villa were cruelly dealt with another blow. Barring a few promising spells and a denied penaltly, they had to leave Wembley in tatters yet again with Martin O'Neill picking up the pieces. Perhaps he could revisit Richard Dunne's shocking excuse for a clearance that led to the first goal.

Chelsea have been galvanised ever since their premature Champions League exit last month. While that raised many eyebrows across the Bridge, it also chartered their course for a double this season. With the wheels coming off Manchester United and Arsenal down to their bare bones following injuries to key players, it's set up nicely for Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea.

It's not been the best of seasons for English clubs. For those who won't be laying their hands on any silverware, the stakes might need to be raised. Liverpool have admitted a massive overhaul is imminent. Likewise with Pompey, although on a scale several grades lower. Arsenal may finally decide to loosen the purse strings and invest in a new breed of proven talent.

Victorious in battle, defeated at war.

Manchester United won a thoroughly gripping Champions League second leg but lost a quarter-final to a vastly superior Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. Superior in terms of maturity over 90 minutes, swiftness in rectifying defensive flaws and most critically, desire to seal a semi final berth. Overwhelmed at one point and overrun at times, Bayern still managed to overcome United on a night that captured the entire spectrum of emotion in football. It was a game where not a lot went in United's favour once they were 3-0 ahead. Initial euphoria gave way to eventual heartbreak as it did in the first leg at the Allianz Arena. This is a team that has developed an unfortunate habit of letting leads slip and frittering the advantage. Why? Perhaps because they're a strange hybrid of mediocre and magnificent. And it can alarmingly oscillate between the two at the blink of an eyelid. They took the foot off the pedal within seconds after going up 3-0. They retreated into their shells even after Bayern pegged a goal back, and were steadily worn down as the game went on. It usually takes a moment of brilliance to settle these sort of games. And indeed it came. But from someone in a Bayern shirt.

A lot of the blame needs to be shouldered by Sir Alex Ferguson. After claiming on Tuesday that Rooney had "no chance" of being involved in the second leg, it hinted a real sense of desperation when his name figured on the team sheet. Quite bewildering and to a certain degree, imprudent. After 20 minutes – and most of the damage inflicted on Bayern – Rooney was evidently struggling and couldn't continue. Why then did Ferguson wait until the 55th minute to haul him off? For those 35 minutes or so, Rooney was a spare wheel. And United were effectively playing with 10 men even before Rafael da Silva was given his marching orders. Which leads me to the next bone of contention. Rafael proved a marked improvement on the pedestrian Gary Neville. But he ruined the good impression made until then by foolishly tangling and later unwittingly tugging Franck Ribery right under the referee’s nose. Ferguson babbled on: "Young boy, inexperience, but they got him sent off. They all rushed towards the referee. Typical Germans!". Somebody missing a brain here?? The short supply of football intelligence in a player has to seek out the manager, not the referee. Sometimes, Ferguson does give you the impression he believes the rules don't necessarily apply to him. In my opinion, neither does the knowledge of his opponents. The "Typical Germans" in question here happened to be Franck Ribery and Mark van Bommel, who were French and Dutch the last time their passports were checked. It was a confusing night admittedly, but Ferguson's mindless remarks did him no credit.

Ferguson may not regret fielding the oldest-ever United Champions League side in last week’s away fixture. But he'll be kicking himself for substituting two midfielders with two attacking players when perhaps a more cautious approach ought to have prevailed. There was a changing of the guard, too. Ferguson, often the advocate of experience, became an apostle of youth by opting for Gibson, Rafael, Nani and Valencia. Ferguson was left to reflect on a gamble that looked a winner all the way, but lasted just 40 minutes. Bayern's more decisive 40-minute spell was orchestrated by Robben and Ribery as United’s midfield repeatedly failed to close down their offensive forays. And when Rafael was sent off – correctly despite Ferguson's silly anti-German sentiments – the writing was on the wall.

Positives for United? There were plenty. The wounded Wayne Rooney still covered 5.95 kilometres and incredibly helped fashion two goals. Nani's coming-of-age display featured an audacious flick and a calmly taken side-foot strike; two of many personal accomplishments on a night he can be proud of. Darron Gibson's no-nonsense approach, off-the-ball athleticism, defensive discipline and clear eye for goal only set in stone his claim for a more prominent role next season. Patrice Evra was imperious in snuffing out the threat of Arjen Robben for most parts of the game. Valencia tormented poor Holger Badstuber with his blistering pace and impeccable delivery. And far from his first flourish of youth, Van Der Sar's consistent, decisive and brave brand of goalkeeping kept United in the hunt.

United were fantastic in the first half. Yet the final verdict may be that – barring the superlative double over AC Milan – this was largely an undistinguished campaign on the continent. With no English team in the semi-finals for the first time since 2003, the Cross of St. George has been lowered. For United, one ambition has gone unrealised for another year. The autopsy on an exit on away goals may yet suggest a few top-quality reinforcements are needed. The rearguard is old. Giggs, Scholes and Neville are way over the hill and must give way to young, but proven mettle. Johnny Evans is primed for central defence, which seems sensible. But a reliable understudy for Evra at left-back is long overdue. In midfield, the future looks bleak for Michael Carrick, easily the weakest link in this United side. The best passer of the ball they say. Maybe. But only sideways or back to the goalkeeper. There's no authority, tenacity or cutting-edge about this game. When United most needed him, Carrick mislaid his shooting boots even as back-peddling Bayern opponents presented him with clear shooting opportunities. That apart, his positioning, timing and diligence have always been questionable. The profligate £19 million acquisition from Tottenham Hotspur could have done much better than to vainly challenge Ivica Olic in United’s penalty area for Bayern’s 43rd minute opener. He might have been closer to Robben too when the Dutch international set the streets of Bavaria in a frenzy with a strike of technical mastery.

In hindsight, the nuts and bolts of it suggest that United were beaten by a Bayern side that showed a professional appetite for the game and took chances when they were presented. Qualities which Ferguson's team failed to match. As always, Ferguson and United are left blighting their opponents, berating the officials and nursing the heaviest of regrets. None of it can paper over the cracks any more. United still have a shot at the Premiership. But it will remain an unrealistic target unless they step up to the arena and decipher what it takes to win significant wars and not insignificant battles.

The night of the midget masterclass.

Wenger might have branded it as a game for the purists when the draws were out two weeks ago. But it was well an truly a no-contest with a foregone conclusion. With all due respect to Arsenal that is. Barcelona displayed the stuff of pure class to rake up a 6-3 aggregate at the end of two legs. Arsenal laboured for the most part without much success. Most pundits and critics rave about the magic Barcelona can work when in possession of the ball. But the real cutting-edge is what they are when they don't have it. That's what illustrated the gulf in class between the two teams. Arsenal were given precious little space to work with when they had the ball. They were closed down, the gaps plugged and the ball quickly retrieved. Sadly, there was only one team capable of doing that over two legs.

Ironically, the smallest man on the pitch was head and shoulders above the rest through all of the 90 minutes of the second leg. Lionel Messi, with four goals of distinctive character, including one that reeked of ruthless demeanour. There was glimmer of hope when Arsenal went ahead against the run of play. A brisk counter attack engineered by Abou Diaby and finished off by Nicklas Bendtner. But that proved to be a false dawn, vindicated by a 21-minute three-goal salvo from Messi that ensued minutes later. No shame in defeat however. Arsenal played out of their skin but within their limitations. Sadly for Wenger, these limitations will quicky translate as flaws, now that another possible shot at silverware has been spurned. Such is the nature of this game. Sublime, yet cruel.

A mountain to climb.

What a strange game of football it was. Manchester United visiting Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena for the first leg of their quarter final encounter. If there was any hint of déjà vu, it was heavily stacked in Bayern's favour at the end of the game. 90 minutes of really good attacking prowess against error-prone defending. For Sir Alex Ferguson, there were a few bitter pills to swallow. He'd be left wondering how his defence was callously dismantled after keeping Bayern at bay for 70 minutes. And of course, Rooney's continued trysts with injury as the days of reckoning draw closer.

The away goal must provide a flicker of hope. With or without Rooney. Sir Alex would've learnt from the whole Cristiano Ronaldo episode, that to win trophies, you need a team that can play together. If United can put it past Bayern at Old Trafford, I've got my money on them to go all the way. At the moment, there's daylight between them and a place in the semis. But they have a week to tip the scales back to parity. One thing's for sure, you can never ever write off Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson (CBE). Not with 34 pieces of silverware sitting on his shelf.

Playing the hard ball.

With Chelsea's Champions League sores still to heal, it's not the best time to appraise the Premier League's finest tacklers. But as much as purists rave about flair, skill and technique, these are the pairs of legs that plough away on the pitch, unnoticed. So this week, let's pay tribute to those who make no bones about their business. Here's a quick glance at the 10 best ball winners who have created an impressive body of work this season.

10. Lorik Cana & Lee Cattermole (Sunderland)
Now, if only Steve Bruce could find some creativity to dovetail along with these defensive engines, Sunderland would've been jostling for Europe instead of warding off relegation. When on song, Cattermole and Cana can be quite a handful.

9. Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers)
As long as he’s partnering someone competent enough to come and collect the ball off him and engineer an attacking move, Muamba will win the ball back for you all day long. And he seems to relish doing just that against top quality opposition.

8. Mohamed Diame (Wigan Athletic)
While team-mate Hendry Thomas may tick all the toe-crunching boxes, Diame is quite the finished product. When he wants to, he can slip into the shoes of Wilson Palacios with consummate ease. Consistency however, is a different kettle of fish.

7. Nigel De Jong (Manchester City)
Holland's first-choice defensive midfielder can be proud of his exploits this season. He wins the ball and keeps possession with metronomic reliability. In the face of an indifferent season for the club, De Jong has stepped up to the plate, often unnoticed.

6. Alex Song (Arsenal)
For someone who began the season a little rough around the edges, this Cameroonian has it all neatly polished now. While he's busy greasing the wheels in midfield, it allows Fabregas to foray into the attacking third and carve out defences at will.

5. Michael Essien (Chelsea)
In Essien’s continued absence through injury, John Obi Mikel has done a fairly decent job without really uprooting any trees. But Essien has a bit more mettle in his locker. Had he stayed fit, Chelsea might have had the title in the bag by now.

4. Scott Parker (West Ham United)
It may yet be a dire season for West Ham. But the man who was once destined for great things at Chelsea has raised his stock considerably. In my opinion, Parker is the finest English box-to-box midfielder, beating Michael Carrick by a country mile.

3. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
Over the season, you could bet your last dime on this hirsute Belgian retrieving the ball in hopeless situations. Relentlessly sticking in a long leg and swivelling back, much like Patrick Vieira did in his prime. If only he could keep himself as fit.

2. Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur)
Wonder if there's anyone who hasn't felt the force of Palacios' tackle this season. The Honduran’s all-action style and lust for combat has been key to Spurs’ charge for a Champions League place. Possibly the best signing Spurs have made in recent seasons.

1. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)
It’s alarming to think what Rafael Benitez would do without the hard-nosed resilience of his Argentine pit-bull. While hard tackling could be up anyone's alley, Mascherano's got it down to a fine art. Easily, the world's best defensive midfielder since Claude Makelele.

Ok, so I've picked some of the more low hanging fruit. Yes, I could've spared a thought for Manchester United's Darren Fletcher, Aston Villa's Stylian Petrov, Fulham's Dickson Etuhu and Wolves' Karl Henry. But Fletcher is more of an enforcer, Petrov has still to convince, Etuhu wins more ankle than ball and Henry doesn’t get any of the ball at all. Yet still, these could make the cut at some point.

Can't say the same about Paul Scholes. He's... well, somewhat a Picassian version of a ball-winning midfielder. And that's putting it ever so kindly.

Like a bridge over troubled waters.

So Chelsea's doomed attempts to win European club football's major prize are invariably stalled for yet another year. Why? Because Jose Mourinho showed the world why he's touted as the 'Special One'. But what's so special about him exactly? His outspoken demeanour that yokes away the media focus off his teams? Or his uncanny ability to fan the fire with pre-match insinuations? Or the ruthless efficiency he exudes when he's cavorting with the press?

Neither. The business end of things is on the pitch. And that's where Inter Milan covered themselves in glory last night. Chelsea were pedestrian across every inch of the lush green at Stamford Bridge. Michael Ballack, an innocuous non-presence. Didier Drogba, the footballing equivalent of a ticking time bomb. Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda laboured all evening. But only enough to illustrate the void in class between two teams currently at the top of their respective leagues. Esteban Cambiasso and Thiago Motta marshalled the space in front of defence as if their lives depended on it. And Lucio, Maicon and Samuel at the back – as if fiercely protective of their goalkeeper – threw their bodies in the way of each and every shot on goal. Upfront, Mourinho shed the cloak of conservatism to use a three-pronged attack. Samuel Eto'o and Goran Pandev were gainfully deployed along wings while Diego Milito plied the lone furrow through the centre. Orchestrating all of Inter's attacking play was the wonderfully rejuvenated Wesley Sneijder. In a fluid state of creativity – as he was all evening – it was only fitting that his sublime pass put the game well and truly beyond Chelsea. Enough to firmly slam the door on their dream of European glory for another year.

Champions League success has eluded Roman Abramovich since he decided to shower his millions at Chelsea in 2004. It's been six years now, and the cupboard – while not being bare – is still relatively conspicuous. I wonder how much longer can this repeatedly battered Chelsea line-up keep going to the well and coming back empty handed.

Doesn't really matter for the moment at least. It's water under the bridge.

Sad for Beckham, not for England.

So Beckham won't be on the plane to South Africa. This injury probably signals the end of an illustrious career. It's unfortunate for a player who brings a great deal of passion and commitment with him on to the pitch. But truth be told here. For England, he remains a blunt instrument rather than the rapier thrust. And the emergence of Lennon, Milner, Wright-Phillips and Walcott has somewhat stymied Beckham's swagger in recent months. But this is just how competitive it gets on that right-hand side of the England midfield. No quarter asked and no quarter given. I'd say it's better to be out injured than have Fabio Capello pull the rug from under you.

A white canvas.

So, it finally happens. After 11474 days of goofing off. My own blog. Where do I start? Hmm. Oerr... Arsenal beat Hull City at the KC last night. Close finish. Nicklas Bendtner – who couldn't hit the side of a bus last weekend – grabbed the winner in the 93rd minute. Keeps the three-horse race to the title on course. So that's it then. This is a football blog. Makes all that effort to sign up worth every kilobyte. Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I love forcing footballing fundamentals into everyone's cranium.