EPL Weekend Recap

Chelsea = TOP OF THE LEAGUE! Ok, I just had to say that. Now for the recap.Chelsea played a fantastic game Saturday, demolishing Blackburn 5-0. Frank Lampard had two goals, including a PK to get back to his scoring ways. Michael Essien's goal was also a sign that the midfield is starting to open up for scoring opportunities again. Joey Cole started the game and it was sheer delight to see his fancy, fast footwork back on the pitch. Love Chelsea or hate them, you have to appreciate the pure raw talent that is Joe Cole.

Spurs lost to Stoke. I still don't understand what happened there.Sunday's big game saw a "resurgent" Liverpool defeat United 2-0. I didn't watch the game, just caught the highlights, so I really can't comment much. I will say this win should secure Rafa Benitez's job for anyone concerned he was on the verge of losing it. And it once again proves that this season is still wide open. For now though, Chelsea are TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!!

All Photos: DayLife

CL Summary

Oh my! What a round of CL action, huh? Who would have thought that Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid would all lose this week?

Photo: ForzaViola

Let's start with my favorite teams. Viola kicked things off with their Tuesday game in Hungary. No I don't remember who they played. The most important facts from this game are: (1) Viola WON; and (2) MUTU SCORED! Oh and, as usual, Vargas' hair was total win.

Liverpool's loss to Lyon was disappointing on two fronts. First of all, Lyon are now at the top of the group. Second, Liverpool losing so many games of late is depressing. I'd prefer a strong Liverpool for the good of the EPL and the enhanced joy of defeating them. No one cares if you defeat a weakened team.

Photo: Daily Telegraph

Inter played Dynamo to a draw and, apparently, Sheva's hair was involved. There is talk, talk and more talk about Mourinho and Inter's woes. Well, they didn't lose so I'm thinking it's not all that woeful compared to some other teams.

Speaking of losing, Barcelona fell to Rubin Kazan, one of my new favorite teams, AT CAMP NOU. Wow. Just wow.

Photos: Day Life

On to Wednesday's action where more shockers were in store. I am delighted to report that Frank Lampard finally scored another goal. Let this be the beginning of Lamps lighting up the net! Can everyone please shut up about Frank's "poor form" now? Thanks. Kalou's brace and an own goal gift meant a 4-0 destruction of Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

Photo: FourFourTwo

Real Madrid was brawling on the pitch today at the Bernabeu. Pato scored a brace and AC Milan walked away with a 3-2 win that remains controversial. I am as shocked as you that there could be a controversial result in the CL, but there it is. One bright spot for Los Blancos: Raul tied Mueller's European scoring record with his goal today.

In other news, United continued their winning streak with a late winning goal in Moscow. Not going to post anything else about United and Moscow on this blog ever again I hope. Let's move on, shall we?

World Cup Qualifiers Recap

Photo: SkySports

Spain won in the rain without Iker. England did not win. Query: was it all because of Beckham's beard? Some are blaming it on Rio. I prefer to not place blame, but rather to learn so it never ever happens again, ok? Thanks.

Photos: DayLife

ROI and Italy played to a draw, meaning Italy booked their ticket to defend the Cup and ROI booked their playoff spot.

Photo: DayLife

Serbia won, booking their ticket while France also booked their playoff spot.

Photo: Telegraph

Portugal's hopes remain alive with a win, as do Argentina's. Yes it's a good idea to play Gonzo. Let's remember that Mr. Maradona.

Photo: Getty Images

And USA USA USA! The USMNT qualified for the World Cup. Way to go!

International Break Preview Links and Such

Once again, the real world and work has taken over my life and my dear blog has suffered. We are upon another international break and here's my quick preview of the upcoming weekend (and mid-week) games:

England has qualified. Bored now. So bored David Beckham apparently has grown a full beard, perhaps inspired by Iker Casillas??

Photo: Day Life

Photo: Day Life

Portugal are on the ropes. Wayne Rooney chimed in this week with a quip that he hopes Portugal do not qualify. Former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo thinks he was joking or perhaps that Rooney does not have such fond memories of Portugal in the World Cup. He's right. No member of England's last World Cup team has fond memories of Portugal. Nor do the England fans.

Speaking of the ropes, Diego Maradona says he is NOT quitting. He may not have to quit. He may be fired.

Photo: Day Life

Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches this round is the Italy/Republic of Ireland match. No I'm not excited just because it will be a pitch full of gorgeous men (and you know of whom I speak), but these two teams have been battling all through qualifying for the top spot in Group 8. Although Italy will most likely take that spot in the end, the Irish will not go down without a fight. Shay Given has spoken. Oh and he hugged Robbie Keane.

Photo: RTE.IE

Weekend EPL Recap

I don't want to talk about it.