The Return of a Legend, Part II: Arsenal 1 - Leeds 0

photo by wonker	via PhotoRee

The television cameras spotted young Jack Wilshere yawning in the stands while watching Arsenal play Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday, and that shot was just about the most exciting thing to happen in the game's first 45 minutes. Slightly more puzzling was the fact that Samir Nasri was also in attendance, fresh off his loss in the Manchester Derby. In case you haven't noticed, Sami, you aren't quite as popular as some other former Arsenal players....

Does anyone else think that Leeds looked like firemen last night in their black and day-glow yellow kits?  I kept wondering where their hats and hoses were.....

I was hoping to get a look at Robin Van Persie in the game to check out his current form. I know that sounds like a ridiculous statement, given that the Dutchman is leading the League in scoring this season, but Arsenal hasn't exactly been prolific of late -- I think they've scored 6 goals in their last 5 home games, including last night -- and my sense is that RVP's form might have slipped just that little bit -- his last goal was from the spot rather than open play....  Alas, Le Professor gave his Captain time off for a family holiday, so I'll have to save my musings for later....

Shagging Sheep

photo by asgw	via PhotoRee

ACT I

SCENE ONE

(A rooftop beer bar in the middle of Manhattan, specializing in Italian craft beer.  The Empire State Building peeks out from behind the bar in the distance.  A midday crowd is gathered around the bar, comprised of tourists enjoying an Indian Summer afternoon, and locals who've snuck away from an honest day's work.  At the corner of the bar sits a stranger, wearing jeans, flip flops, shades and a long-sleeve black jersey with the number "1" and the name "De Gea" emblazoned on the back.  A car horn honks in the distance.)

FARLIEONFOOTIE

How 'bout a drink, Nick?

NICK THE BARTENDER

     (Glances up from drying some glasses)

Whaddya want?

FARLIEONFOOTIE

I'd say a beer, but I just finished hot yoga class before coming here.  You got any coconut water before I move onto the hard stuff?  I'm parched.

NICK

Hot yoga?  Ain't that for girls?

        

FARLIEONFOOTIE

I don't know, man.  If it's good enough for Giggs, it's good enough for me.  It's a great workout.        
                              (Pauses)
Turn up the volume, will ya?  United's on.

(fade out)

SCENE TWO

(A festive Elland Road.  A frenzied crowd of Leeds supporters cheer on the home team, lustily chanting, clapping, stomping their feet, and showering United with prolonged boos and cat calls.)

FAN #1

Think we'll do it again?  Loved knocking those bastards out of the FA Cup a couple seasons back....

FAN #2

Could be, but they're takin' it pretty seriously.  Look at the lineup they've run out tonight.

FAN #1

Yeah. Giggs, Berbatov, Owen, Valencia, Macheda....  Christ, those boys must be desperate to get some playing time.

FAN #2

Ryan Giggs reduced to playing the freakin' League Cup.  Bastard's so old he can barely run, 'cept after birds.

FAN #1

                       Yeah, and they're just a shite Barcelona.
                                              (Guffaws). 
                        I hope we crush 'em.

SCENE THREE