Fuck me! What a game!

Hats off to the Scousers for pulling off an amazing comeback. Obviously I'm not a fan of those Northern gits, but that was one of those games where you just sit there and mouth "Fuck me..." repeatedly...that blinding 15 minute spell that destroyed Milan physically and mentally was like something out of Roy of the Rovers!

OK, so I fell asleep during extra-time (it had been a long day, with visits to two law courts in Herzliya and Ramat Gan - don't ask - and a new English student) and when I woke up I saw wee Stevie lifting the trophy, felt almost dream-like, only the ring of my telephone shook me back into reality.

Though Sky News' opening sentence of its 6am broadcast: "Everybody wants to be a Scouser this morning..." may have been going overboard just a wee smidgeon...

In other breaking news, the FBI have raided Michael Jackson's house: They found class A drugs in his kitchen, Class B drugs in his living room and Class 5C in his bedroom.

Champions League final tonight and I fully expect Liverpool to do an Arsenal (at least an FA Cup final Arsenal) and play their defensive asses off. If you look at it, they have absolutely nothing to lose and could play an exciting, attacking format, much like they did in that first half against Juventus...BUT, with the big prize so near, you couldn't blame them if they shut up shop for 90 minutes, even 120...

Wouldn't half mind being in Liverpool supporters' shoes today, though tomorrow morning, even with the trophy in their hands, they'll be more than welcome to their boring team...

So, for one night only, we might actually be cheering on the Scouse gits, just a little...and tinged with a tad of envy, perhaps...

...for Liverpool, who are no longer the 'best' team in Liverpool.

...for Manure/Sir Alex. Arsenal have surely done enough to wrap up the second spot and condemn Manure to struggle through the Champions League qualifiers this summer. Time to put the old goat out to pasture, I say.

...for Wigan supporters. Nice to see newbies make it to the big-time, but they must surely be odds-on favourites to make the drop. Wigan v Arsenal as a league fixture probably seemed a little optimistic 3 or 4 years ago...

...for moi. My first visit to the corridor of hell in 18 days. Kicked off with a 2-hour trek into the office thanks to horrendous traffic. My only solace was feeling Mrs. LBLS's bulging stomach and the accompanying kicks and body-flips by junior. Future free-kick taker I believe.

Tomorrow evening sees Arsenal play Liverpool at Highbury. Hopefully the Pool will still be giddy from their European exploits and Arsenal will rip 'em to shreds. Then again, Gerrard the chav-looking git might just put in one of his commanding shows, as he usually seems to do against Arsenal...just none of those last minute wonder goals ta very much, Mr Gerrard...

I'm still working my ass off in the new place. Friday was digging up the pitch day, Sunday I should be relaying some new turf. Or maybe not. At least the neighbours are impressed, especially that blond from across the road. Must have been my sweaty brow...

Ahh, good to be back in the civilized world. There was a moment when I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever make it back, but it all came good in the end (yesterday), telephone, Internet, cable, all correct and present. The new place is alot noisier than I thought, but we'll sort the neighbours out with the upcoming Cup Final BBQ.

Arsenal have been further cementing that gap with Manure to clinch an automatic spot for next year's Champions League. Only 3 matches to go and 4 points in front. Should be a given, but a tricky game against Liverpool should raise the heart rate for a few more days. As for the 'Pool, you have to take yer hat off to their tactical nous in putting out the mighty Chelski. Not the prettiest stuff ever, but still nice to see a British side in the Champs League final. Chelski and Milan would have been the dream final, but those fantasy footie matchups hardly ever happen, do they?

Sword has been sheathed. Liverpool actually made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, after quite a solid defensive performance. But then, if Juventus had turned up for the game, it might have been a different story. Just makes you wonder what might have been with Arsenal, because they are undoubtedly the better side, no contest. I guess this is what mere mortals feel like...the bitter pang of jealousy never mixes well with humility.

Anyway, that means an all English semi-final of Chelski and the 'Pool. So a guaranteed English finalist. Nice one. Though who I'll be rooting for remains to be seen. I have to confess to cheering on Manure when they won in 1999 (just don't tell anyone), though this year I really have no preference. On purely footballing terms it would be great to see a Chelski-Milan final, because they are the best 2 sides in Europe this year. PSV-Liverpool would be pretty depressing...

Us Gooners have to console ourselves with the FA Cup, and this weekend's semi-final. I'll force myself to have a Tuborg or three while we romp to our 17th final. Or maybe just cry into my pillow at what might have been this season...