Against Spurs, Gunners Show Why They Are Contenders

Robin van Persie, in Arsenal's 3-0 derby win over Tottenham

There will be a lot of scrutiny of Tottenham after their lopsided loss at the Emirates. Pundits will use the result to illustrate Spurs are not ready to break the top four. That’s a view with which I disagree, though it very well [...]

Inside the Six, Ep. #38: Examining Liverpool FC

On the 38th edition of Inside the Six, I was happy to welcome World Soccer Reader EPL/LFC correspondent Lee Simmons Radke. The interview was conduct on Sunday, in the wake of Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Anfield over Manchester United. The win ended a four match losing streak over all competitions, one which [...]

WCQ Preview: Ukraine versus England

Do matches only shown over the internet actually exist? More than the implications of this match, that is the story being discussed in the English-language media. How dare they take our footy out of our pubs?

A better question to ask: Should games involving a team with no stakes exist? Of course, [...]

Ferguson’s Media, Referees, and the Respect Campaign: Levels of Ridiculous

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has shared the spotlight with referee Alan Wiley – exactly as he intended.

Their row continues over Alex Ferguson’s comments in the wake of the Manchester United manager’s comments after a weekend draw with Sunderland. To briefly recap, Ferguson criticized referee Alan Wiley for poor decisions, bad game [...]

La Liga’s Depth Problem? Not Compared to England

Do you know me? You might, but do you follow my squad?

I understand why most fans I know think that La Liga is two super teams and not much else, particularly compared to England, which has a big four and now has emerging clubs in Tottenham and Manchester City. Of course, elsewhere [...]

How Guardian.co.uk Celebrates England Women’s Euro Accomplishment

Everton’s Emily Westwood and teammates after the final of Euro 2009

England’s women’s national team win the unofficial World Cups in 1978 and 1984, but since they have had an ignominious string of failures at major international tournaments. They’ve only qualified for two of the five official World Cups, never advancing beyond the quarterfinals. [...]

World Top Eight (National Sides) at WSR

In hindsight, I’m not sure why I would write something with which 96% of my readers will disagree. I couldn’t resist, and it was an article I’ve been wanting to write for a week, so after an appropriate amount of thought and perspective, I wrote an article listing who I see as the top [...]

Manchester United-Arsenal Thoughts (while I watch Madrid-Depor)

We’re going to test my typing and multi-tasking skills as I try to get my thoughts on the Manchester United-Arsenal match down while I watch the start of the second Galacticos era. I’m so distracted that I’m too lazy to properly spell Galacticos (there should be an accent in there).

The match’s drama started even [...]

So you Want to Follow the Footie

As has been eluded too, I’ve discovered football quite recently. After watching a few matches as a neutral (and frankly, becoming really impressed with the dedication of European football supporters) I decided I wanted to pick a specific team to follow, a band wagon to hop on, a reason to start writing my own fan chants.

But you can’t rush into these kinds of things. You can’t just close your eyes, spin in a circle, walk five paces and come face to face with a small sign that says “You’re a fan of Stoke City, congratulations”. You have to approach these things scientifically. Here is just one of many flow charts on the subject, posted today on the Something Awful [...]

When 5-0 is a Fail – On Manchester United’s Win at Wigan

Apparently, it’s Manchester United day on the RF Football. That’s OK. Yesterday was Russian football day.

Since Manchester United beat Wigan 5-0 this weekend, I’ve had some form of this conversation multiple times.

Him: “Good win for United.”
Me: “How so?”
Him: “A 5-0 win isn’t good?”
Me: “Did you watch the match?”
Him: [...]