I like Arsenal a lot - despite Canadian TV this year taking all their big games and putting them on pay-per-view and then not offering them here at my house. But Bergkamp might more realistically raise two more fingers as I am starting to think that third place might be a good outcome. I suspect now as I suspected then that they should have traded Viera after all as I get the sense that his summer of '04 spent moaning about how Real Madrid was after him may have put off the magic that saw them unbeaten last season year. Manchester United (p'ttu, p'ttu) sits two points ahead after taking both games from Arsenal this year - meaning they are four points off from other teams. Despite today's 5-1 win against cross-town kings of puniness, Crystal Palace, there is just less zip against the opponents. They have a fairly straight run in the league against softer teams until April 16th against Everton and the 20th against Chelski. These dates might be critical in determining whether they get to second or drop to fourth. Chelsea will have to implode for anyone to catch them now.

Knowing you are sharing this mid-winter of my discontent fitba-esque, I will give you this, a photo of the scene when gravity took a break during a recent match between Norwich and West Bromwich. 65% percent of those involved are reported to have said "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"