Each week this column will reflect on the weekend's football and what it all means. Has the world changed? Will all life henceforth be unrecognisable? Are you reading too much into the name of this column? Should we drop the flimsy metaphor?
This weekend, above many others, did in fact result in some incredible action that will leave a lasting effect on the world of football.
First things first, Blackpool in the Premier League?! This team have the second lowest attendance in the Championship - the average last year was around 8000 - and will now be somehow trying to compete with some of the richest clubs in the world. On the one hand, from a neutral point of view it is fantastic to see that resources aren't everything, and underdogs such as Blackpool can earn their shot at the big boys week in week out. However - like Burnley before them - you can't help but fear for their prospects.
The Chief Exec was on Sky Sports News on Sunday morning and was making all the right noise about not over-stretching, living within their means, and rightly identified West Brom as a good model to follow in terms of boinging between the leagues. But is this really what you want? Do West Brom fans enjoy the seasons of success in the Championship more than the struggles of the Premier League? Is the glory of promotion tempered with the knowledge that you're going to get smashed most weeks and win a handful of games all year? Do Blackpool fans care one bit that they are not likely to do well, given that at least they are there? Am I just bitter and jealous that joke clubs like this can make it and my own is still languishing in League One?!
Whatever the answers may be, it is certainly a credit to the players and manager of Blackpool that they have achieved this, and I'm sure they will get their traditional one glorious win against a big gun to make it all worthwhile. Ian Holloway is going to be well worth a watch every week - but it is almost impossible to see anything other than a very swift return for the Seasiders.
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The other showpiece game of this weekend from El Santiago Bernabeu was maybe not up to the goals-a-plenty thrilling action of the Play-off Final, but nonetheless made for an absorbing and interesting spectacle.
Diego Milito's finishing was exemplary - the composure to feint the keeper and lift it over him for the opener was world class; and the second goal was all his own work. Van Buyten will not be happy with how easily he allowed himself to be turned inside out, but Milito was in complete control and did everything right. His hold-up play in particular was ominous - if the other Argentinian Diego was watching, he'll have been delighted with the prospect of this centre forward winning the ball and laying it off to Messi, Aguero and Tevez. This physical and aerial presence gives Argentina another attacking option which will cause all kinds of problems in South Africa.
Bayern sorely missed thier Boglin on the left wing. The over-reliance on Robben, who competed admirably in the circumstances (despite the odd dive), made Inter's defensive job that much easier - in the same way that Iniesta's semi-final absence left Barca turning too often to Messi; Bayern were too predictable in attack and at this level one player can't do it alone. The statistical superiority for Bayern does not tell the full story; as Inter were content to give them possession and territorial advantage, knowing that the ultimate breakthrough was never there. Muller's chance at the very start of the second half was the only real clear sight of goal, and he will not be sleeping comfortably yet for nightmares about that miss.
Jose Mourinho was refreshingly gracious and honest after the game and even looked happy, going against his usual 'Brain' demeanour. Clearly he seems destined to return to the Bernabeu (wonder how Pellegrini feels...'um excuse me guys, I'm right here'...) but it will be fascinating to see how this latest journey on his juggernaut of success turns out. Will the Madridista's settle for the type of negative and dour display that so many of Mourinho's teams have showcased over the years; or is their desire to usurp Barca such that his win at all costs mentality will suit them just fine? El Gran Classico next year will be an absolute must-see.
This weekend, above many others, did in fact result in some incredible action that will leave a lasting effect on the world of football.
First things first, Blackpool in the Premier League?! This team have the second lowest attendance in the Championship - the average last year was around 8000 - and will now be somehow trying to compete with some of the richest clubs in the world. On the one hand, from a neutral point of view it is fantastic to see that resources aren't everything, and underdogs such as Blackpool can earn their shot at the big boys week in week out. However - like Burnley before them - you can't help but fear for their prospects.
The Chief Exec was on Sky Sports News on Sunday morning and was making all the right noise about not over-stretching, living within their means, and rightly identified West Brom as a good model to follow in terms of boinging between the leagues. But is this really what you want? Do West Brom fans enjoy the seasons of success in the Championship more than the struggles of the Premier League? Is the glory of promotion tempered with the knowledge that you're going to get smashed most weeks and win a handful of games all year? Do Blackpool fans care one bit that they are not likely to do well, given that at least they are there? Am I just bitter and jealous that joke clubs like this can make it and my own is still languishing in League One?!
Whatever the answers may be, it is certainly a credit to the players and manager of Blackpool that they have achieved this, and I'm sure they will get their traditional one glorious win against a big gun to make it all worthwhile. Ian Holloway is going to be well worth a watch every week - but it is almost impossible to see anything other than a very swift return for the Seasiders.
--------------------------------------------
The other showpiece game of this weekend from El Santiago Bernabeu was maybe not up to the goals-a-plenty thrilling action of the Play-off Final, but nonetheless made for an absorbing and interesting spectacle.
Diego Milito's finishing was exemplary - the composure to feint the keeper and lift it over him for the opener was world class; and the second goal was all his own work. Van Buyten will not be happy with how easily he allowed himself to be turned inside out, but Milito was in complete control and did everything right. His hold-up play in particular was ominous - if the other Argentinian Diego was watching, he'll have been delighted with the prospect of this centre forward winning the ball and laying it off to Messi, Aguero and Tevez. This physical and aerial presence gives Argentina another attacking option which will cause all kinds of problems in South Africa.
Bayern sorely missed thier Boglin on the left wing. The over-reliance on Robben, who competed admirably in the circumstances (despite the odd dive), made Inter's defensive job that much easier - in the same way that Iniesta's semi-final absence left Barca turning too often to Messi; Bayern were too predictable in attack and at this level one player can't do it alone. The statistical superiority for Bayern does not tell the full story; as Inter were content to give them possession and territorial advantage, knowing that the ultimate breakthrough was never there. Muller's chance at the very start of the second half was the only real clear sight of goal, and he will not be sleeping comfortably yet for nightmares about that miss.
Jose Mourinho was refreshingly gracious and honest after the game and even looked happy, going against his usual 'Brain' demeanour. Clearly he seems destined to return to the Bernabeu (wonder how Pellegrini feels...'um excuse me guys, I'm right here'...) but it will be fascinating to see how this latest journey on his juggernaut of success turns out. Will the Madridista's settle for the type of negative and dour display that so many of Mourinho's teams have showcased over the years; or is their desire to usurp Barca such that his win at all costs mentality will suit them just fine? El Gran Classico next year will be an absolute must-see.
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In the preview column prior to the game I predicted a 3-1 Inter win. Given that 2-0 is a 2 clear goal advantage, and Muller should have scored, and Inter would have got a third on the break if Bayern pushed forward, I think I'll claim the moral victory there, post all congratulations/amazement below...
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