MEN AGAINST BOYS

     Arsenal simply do not pass the Eye Test. A friend of mine asked me earlier today what I thought the result of today's Milan v Arsenal Champions League match would be, to which I prophetically stated, "Milan, in a blowout". Low and behold Arsenal were absolutely battered at the San Siro, and find themselves once again (essentially) knocked out of Europe before Spring. What I meant in this blog's opening clause was that if you didn't know anything about the players on show today, and simply compared the teams in a physical sense, logic would tell you that Milan would overpower Arsenal's spritely players. Zlatan and Boateng are physically imposing and brutish; Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey are almost waifish in comparison. Abbiati, Milan's criminally underrated keeper, is massive and commanding; Szczesny is tall but lanky, and young to boot. AC Milan took the field today looking to not only beat Arsenal, but to overwhelm and dominate them with pace and power. Their plan worked to such an extent that some Gunners looked vaguely relieved that they could escape to the dressing room once the final whistle blew...

"I MISS THE GAMES"

     I miss the games. Having dedicated almost the entirety of my time on earth trying to become the best soccer player I could become, I currently find myself completed with my college career, without knowledge of when my next game might be. I imagine the sadness that creeps into my mind every single day due to my competitive career being over is the same sadness that every proper player since the creation of the game has felt as age and circumstance rob them of their talents. Regardless of whether this moment occurs at 21, or 30, or if you're lucky 40, there comes a time where the elements conspire against a footballer to make him abandon his craft, at least at the level they once could play at...