My Take on the Fabregas Tranfer Saga and How Fabregas could be a man who shaped our club!

Warning: Extreme Optimism coming your way. Do not attempt to read, if can't take it.

First, let me get some things cleared up.

1. Fabregas loves Barcelona.
2. Fabregas loves Arsenal, Arsenal Fans and respects Mr.Wenger.
3. It was his childhood dream to play for Barcelona shirt.
4. Barcelona may be the club that taught the basics of football to Cesc, but, its Arsenal who made him a star that he is now, at this age of 23.
5. Wilt all the talk from Barca, he was hopeful that a deal might be struck between the two parties. He has great respect for both clubs, that is the reason why he did not make any comments about the situation in the media. Being a true professional, he decided to wait and see.
6. Barca weren't able to negotiate a deal with Arsenal.
7. Cesc knew that a deal cannot be completed because of the financial situations at both clubs and the tactics that Barca used to persuade Arsenal to sell.
8. He released a statement saying that he is focused on the coming season for Arsenal.

Now, initially I was glad that Cesc had decided to stay. How long? It doesn't matter. A player of that qwality will definitely make a difference on the pitch, no matter the circumstances. We, Arsenal fans have clearly seen that when he was injured after the Barca game at the Emiates.

My whole thought process is useless if Arsenal don't genuinely challenge for honors in major competitions. If we do and perhaps win a title(except the Carling Cup), then I think that Fabregas may be convinced to stay. He is driven by success and if we can show that we can win some trophies, I think he will be happy to stay.

Arsenal have been gaining a reputation as a selling club in recent past. The debt for the construction of the stadium is a factor. Now that the clubs finances are looking up, there is no reason to sell our best players. But, our manager needs to show that in the transfer market by starting to get world class talent into the club. I think the whole Fabregas saga might have an effect on how the club performs in the near future. If we maintain our stance in this issue, it will be an indicator to other clubs that we cannot be bullied into selling our top performers. Furthermore, if we can please Fabregas by bringing in a couple of top quality players, we will be more of a super power than a selling club.

So, that's how I think this whole Fabregas transfer saga can effect our club in a positive way. If you are one of the pessimists, there are plenty of Arsenal blogs out there covering the case in a negative(or as some opposition fans call it, realistic) manner.

Come on you, Gunners!

GOTT: Luis Suarez vs Korea Republic

What a curler!

Fantasy World Cup Update & the Samba boys

I do not have any work to do at office as the end of my internship draws closer. I can't help but engage myself in blogging to keep away from boredom. The matches that took place yesterday were:

New Zealand  1 vs 1     Slovakia
Portugal          0 vs 0     Ivory Coast
Brazil              2 vs 1     North Korea

I had only watched bits of Portugal vs Ivory Coast before watching Brazil vs North Korea. I was hoping to see some good football from the Samba boys but, I was left disappointed. This was largely due to the way the North Koreans played. They were organized and defended well as a unit, not allowing the Brazilians any room. I should say that they weren't a team intimidated by Brazil. When they had the ball, they tried to create their own chances on the counter attack. Maicons' beauty and Robinhos' inch perfect pass sealed the game for the Brazilians while, North Korea grabbed a well deserved consolation later in the game.

Kaka and Maicon were the players of interest, as they were in my fantasy team. They did not disappoint and grabbed 5 attacking bonus points each.There are two more games left before the round finishes. I'm currently 15th in the world. Can I finish as the round winner? I will have to wait and see.

Till then.

The Arsenal Away Kit 2010/2011

The new Arsenal away kit is here.

That looks good enough and a lot better than the current away strip. Haven't seen reaction from other fans but, a few of them are pleased with the new kit.

Update: One more picture of the kit.

PES 2011

I was just having a look around gamespot and I found these:

 

The lines accompanying some of the pictures suggest that Konami might have something really big lined up to try an battle with the other industry leader EA Sports FIFA. By looking at the screens, I predict we can expect better control. The graphics look neat. I am not a PES fan boy, but, I can't wait for FIFA and PES2011 to be released!

Late Update

It's been quiet some time now, since my last post. It was a very sad period of time for me. Not, that I'm not placed yet, but, I should admit that it is also adding to the misery. There are a few things that kept me away from blogging. Firstly, the previous theme that I installed hadn't looked sharp. There were huge spaces between components. The sidebars were narrow and I didn't really feel like looking at my blog.

Also, my graphic card has blown up. That sounds too dramatic, right? OK, it was only a few capacitors that have exploded. It was a gradual process. More than a month ago, I heard a sound. I could compare it to an electric discharge but, I could not trace where it had originated from. A couple of days before the graphic card gave away, there was the second 'blast'. I knew that it was coming from inside the room. But, to feel safe, I've assumed that the fuse of the water cooler was destroyed. And finally, it's D-day. The third explosion rocked my room at 10'o clock. I was a bit nervous, but, didn't care much. That evening, when I started Football Manager 2009, the screen began to show huge pixels. I restarted the game and the problem persisted. Then, I began to realize that it was my graphic card. It was acting as the center of terrorist activity. Soon, I couldn't even view the desktop and I had to remove the card.

I had to reboot my Windows but, as soon I thought that my computer was up and running again, a dangerous virus has caused even more problems. I had to do the same thing again. It was literally 4 days, without a proper computer. Now, its all fine again and thanks to NOD32 Anti-virus for doing a commendable job in keeping my computer clean. There were the small matters of tests, assignments and projects also. I fared well in the last week of fantasy football manager, notching up 80 points(my personal best). All hail Cesc Fabregas. I thought that it would be good to have a Mini League for Bitsians within the game, but I'm not sure how many people play the game. Maybe, next time...for the Class of 2010.   :)

We've started playing 5 on 5 football quite frequently now and I'm really enjoying it. I know that all the others are too. If you want to join us, just come to Bhag QT everyday after 10 pm. There is no football on TV this weekend. It is due to the international break for World Cup Qualifying. So, I'm bored to death. Last week, Cesc Fabregas and Co. blasted Blackburn all over the park finishing with 6 goals. Vermaelen's goal was the best for me, though I'm also impressed by Bendtner's howler and Fabregas's well placed half volley. I don't know for sure...how long Vermaelen will continue to score but, I'm confident that he has proved himself to be a very good signing. He is the joint top scorer for Arsenal along with Cesc Fabregas (4 goals). Both the Manchester clubs were held to draws over the weekend. Chelsea is setting the pace for the rest of the teams by defeating Liverpool 2-0.

Today is my brother's birth day and I wish him a happy Birthday. Hope he has a good year in front of him, because it is going to be crucial for him.

I will write again! Till then, good night!

A night of Disappointment!

I am very much disappointed. Why? India lost the match against Srilanka, our batsmen couldn't play 40 overs, it was Mathews who took 6 wickets(of all the Lankan bowlers), I couldn't get to watch a football match because of the cricket, Arsenal lost again, Chelsea won again :P, MANU will win against Spurs, Adebayour stamped on RvP's face, RvP hit the post again, Adebayour mocked the Arsenal fans after the goal and City are currently second in the table.

Pick any number of reasons you like. But, the feeling is the same. This will therefore be remembered as the worst day(sports wise) in my life.

Cheers! (I do not know why I'm saying this!) I'm off to London to pop Almunia's head!

FIFA 2010 System Requirements

Guys, it's only two days till the release of the demo of the much awaited game, FIFA10.Here is a list of system requirements that will help you run it on our PC.

FIFA 10 (Fifa 2010) Minimum Requirements:

2.4 GHz single-core
512 MB RAM for XP / 1 GB RAM for Vista
Video: 128 MB Geforce 6600 or better, Ati Radeon 9800 Pro or better, Support for Shader Model 2.0 or better, DirectX 9.0c
Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
HDD: 4.4 GB or more
Broadband Internet connection required for Installation and online gaming

Fifa 10 Recommended System:

CPU: 3.2 GHz single-core or 2.4 GHz dual-core
1 GB RAM for XP / 2 GB RAM for Vista
Video: 256 MB Geforce 7800 or better, Ati Radeon X1800 or better, Support for Shader Model 2.0 or better, DirectX 9.0c
Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
Keyboard or Dual Analog Gamepad
HDD: 4.4 GB or more
Broadband Internet connection required for Installation and online gaming.

The Ugly Scumbag does it again!

I have just downloaded the goals from some of the friendlies and qualifiers that happened yesterday. First up, England vs Slovenia. It's a no contest, in my mind. Yet, there was a cheap trick played by a certain Balooney Rooney. I paused the video and am now writing this post in a state of disbelief and shock.

You can watch the controversial goal here. Here is a good photographic evidence/analysis of the incident. John Terry, haven't you watched this? Are you still sitting in your small cardboard box, isolated from all that's happening around you?

Rooney is short and everyone knows that. He could not reach the ball that was played into the box for sure. So, what does he do? He literally tackles the Slovenian center half, goes to ground and immediately puts his arms up for a penalty claim. The referee gives it, which was a very bad decision. Lampard takes it and gifts England the lead. It was ironic. There was so much talk about English players, honesty and the statement that Rooney made yesterday. Two incidents involving English players happen on the same day and still the English men feel that they are the most sophisticated and cultured of all races. This isn't medieval age. This is the age of nukes and computers. You better get out of those cocoons. With all the statements made yesterday, it is clear that the English team will be closely monitored by every one, atleast till the World cup next year. Every incident involving them will looked up by the media and I see a tough tough year for them.

Later!

Saturday Night!

Well, it is quite boring. The reason for it is the lack of football on TV because of the international break. You, may ask me to watch the internationals then, but, this is India. You cannot expect to watch a game between Brazil and Argentina on Indian TV, unless it is a world cup match. Anyway, I've been reading a lot of stuff about Eduardo, Chelsea, SAF, etc. in newspapers recently and I can't say how much I'm annoyed by all of it.

Eduardo is pissed that he was the scape goat of a political game played by the UEFA and Michael Platini. There would not have been this much fuss about the incident if UEFA has made it a rule that, 'If a player tries to fox the referee, he will be serving up a two match ban!'. That did not happen. According to reports, UEFA said that this was the last case of it's kind and no other complaints will be entertained in the future.

I do not defend divers. This guy has returned from a serious injury to his ankle. He lost 18 valuable months of footballing life because of a careless and rash tackle. And, nothing has been done about it. The people who had cost some footballers their careers, are roaming free, to break some more bones. But, the one who tries to save himself from a repeat of such injury is branded a 'Cheat' and is now serving a 2 match ban.
It was a dead game! If you expect Celtic to win that match from 2 goals down(in their home leg) at Ashburton Grove, I presume that you have no logic at all.

Though I'm passionate about the game, I believe that, people's body parts are more important than a useless match. It is funny, how a person can be charged with assault if he breaks someone's leg in the real world and the same person would get away with it if he had 'intentionally'(not accidentally) tackled a player with that severity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cunning bastard Alex has backed the decision taken by the UEFA. He also said that it is because of players like Eduardo and the things they do on the pitch, a bad influence is being created on young footballers. Balls to you c*nt! Don't you remember the feather weights your team had in the past. C.Ronaldo(disgrace to the name of the god) and Van Nistelrooy are the most famous of them. The ugly, short and bald-headed as**o*e has made a statement, ' I never intentionally dived'. John Terry says that English players are too honest to dive intentionally. This statement itself shows the level of honesty their team has! Aren't Rooney and Gerrard English? One thing's for sure. England will not even make it to the semi finals of the world cup next year with this over-hyped team.

England's Jack Wilshere has supposedly dived to gift their team a penalty in their U-21 Euro Qualifiers against Macedonia. I like Jack. I don't know if he really dived, nor does the Macedonian team's coach. There is an article here. Why is the headline like that? Why can't it be, "England player dives to gift their team a lucky win against Macedonia." He is an Englishman, ain't he John Terry? What will be the case if he is picked for your world cup squad. What if he dives to win a penalty that will take you into the semis or finals? He will definitely be called a 'Wonder Kid'. No doubt. The state of the media is like that. Most people are very much concerned about results, rather than the way they are achieved. This needs to end and fast! I would like to see a day when a player kicks the ball to the corner flag, from the spot, if he was awarded a penalty by mistake by the referee. Mistakes are common, but not accepting them will lead to a lot of trouble.

Out of football now. Our chief minister Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy has passed away in a horrific Chopper crash. The main cause of the crash is believed to be bad weather conditions. The state mourned his death for two days and he was cremated yesterday. Though I do not personally like him, it has to be accepted that he was a great leader and politician. I hope his soul finds peace!

So, it's going to be another long week before football finally kicks off!
Till then, Bye and good night!

UEFA Champion's League Club Logos

UEFA Champion's League Groups

Group A:

Bayern Munich
Juventus
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa

Group B:

Manchester United
CSKA Moscow
Besiktas
Wolfsburg

Group C:

AC Milan
Real Madrid
Marseille
Zurich

Group D:

Chelsea
Porto
Atletico Madrid
APOEL

Group E:

Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen

Group F:

Barcelona
Inter
Dynamo Kyiv
Rubin Kazan

Group G:

Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni

Group H:

Arsenal
AZ
Olympiacos
Standard Liege

Big 5 Clash No.1

Well, i have decided to include Manchester City in the race for top four spots, but it's just for the sake of contention. It may be Tottenham Hotspur who might give the big 4 a run for their money, if they keep up their good form. But, I seriously doubt that.

***I am currently facing difficulties trying to login to the Fantasy Premier League site. So, I couldn't think of anything else but write this post.***

I has been a good week of prediction for me. Many of the outcomes were very obvious. Manchester City's mere 1-0 win over wolves and United's unexpected 5-0 win over Wigan may be misplaced score lines in my prediction book. We had to share the T.V in the common room, 15 minutes Arsenal game and 15mins ManU's. Didn't watch it the way I wanted to but, we've seen a lot of goals. The goals that I liked were those of Diaby(1st goal, nice work by Eduardo), Ramsey(finishing a good through ball from Van Persie), Owen(i liked the neat finish but Nani made the goal possible, he was shouting for Owen to make the run he wanted!) and that of Berbatov. In all fairness, I thought that Wigan were threatening at times. I would have liked to see them finish with a couple in the back of the net, but the goal keeper ruined all efforts.

Update: I've got 28 points and 5 players are due to play tomorrow. Song was subbed out for Carr and I'm lucky to get his 6 points. :)

Well, this only means one thing. The build up for the match next week between Arsenal and Man United is very good. Both teams are in scoring form. So, we could expect a fast paced, "both teams scored" match the coming weekend. Or, it will end up as a disappointing 0-0. I will be satisfied with a draw at Old Trafford but, I am predicting the score to be 2-1, in favour of the Arsenal.

Your predictions can be posted in the comments.

The day of the Underdogs!

Well, I am loving this premier league. It's going to be a lot tougher than anything I've seen for some time. Game week 2 is finally over and the results are as follows:

Sunderland 1 - 3 Chelsea
Wigan 0 - 1 Wolves
Birmingham 1 - 0 Portsmouth
Burnley 1 - 0 Man Utd
Hull City 1 - 5 Tottenham
Liverpool 4 - 0 Stoke City

Firstly, Chelsea did not impress me when they conceded in the first half. I had fielded Ashley Cole and Mikel in my fantasy league and Cole came up with two bonus points but, I would have also liked to have the 4 for a clean sheet as well. Mikel, has lost his starting place now. I only bought him because he is only 5 million and the manager made the following quote on his deal extension:

"I have a lot of trust in Mikel, I think he can be the playmaker of this team. He is a young player, but has great quality, both technical and tactical. For the present and for the future he is a very important player for us. We are very happy he has signed a new contract and I hope that he stays at Chelsea for a lot of years."

Apparently, I now believe that it was only said to facilitate the deal and he was playing only in the first halves for the last two games. And now he will be confined to the bench.


Birmingham won over Pompy at home. I kind of predicted the result correctly before the match. Though it was only a late late goal, the win was deserving. Wolves and Burnley picked up wins against Wigan and Manchester United respectively. I have a feeling that MU's hopes of retaining the title might be all but over by the end of this month. An away game against Wigan, then the two tough fixtures at home against Arsenal and Manchester City might be the time when United fans go into a state of shock and Alex will be looking for answers from the transfer market. They might be fighting for Champion's League qualification from then on! But, lets not draw too many conclusions from the so little we have seen here. But, I would love the prospect of them trying to hang on to the Champion's league spot. (:P)


Liverpool won comfortably at home to stoke city. While Defoe and Tottenham blasted Hull away 1-5. I will not be drawing too many conclusions here but, I think it would be very unlikely that, they would be maintaining this kind of form through out the season and will be a fiercely competing for the fourth spot.

That's it for now! 35 points from game-week 2. Not disappointed!
Cheers!

Jumping with Joy!

The Arsenal vs Everton match was just concluded. The score line reads 6-1. And I guess that, it would be enough to shut some people up. After all the non sense in papers and on the internet, Arsenal have finally replied. And boy, didn't they do it in style.

I think that the 4-3-3 is working for us. Credit to Mr.Wenger for putting it to use. And, what will be a formation, without the players that actually make it up. The boys showed great spirit. Yeah, it's clearly evident in their body language. Bendtner running back to support the defense was an indication. He has really matured as a player. Though he played only 60 minutes, it was enough to impress me. He almost opened the scoring with a cracker of a shot. But, it just missed the target. He and Cesc then, set up Denilson for the first goal of the match. I haven't seen most of the other games, but it's definetly going to be the goal of the week.

I wasn't so sure to put up Denilson in my fantasy league team, thinking that he might not start but the injuries to Walcott and Diaby have given him a chance and he did make full use of it.The goal was an absolute screeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaamer. He has also cleared a dangerous ball from an Everton corner from our goal line. Song was really impressive. He showed great composure. Won several challenges and was in the right places to clear the ball away when needed. His passing was solid and he never really gave away the ball.


Vermaelen and Gallas scored the 2nd and 3rd goals respectively, from well taken set pieces. Cesc Fabregas and Van Persie get the assists. It showed that the team are working well on several weaker aspects of our game. Vermaelen was absolutely superb in defense. He made several crucial tackles and was always attacking the arial ball against the giant Fellaini.


At Half Time: Arsenal 3-0 Everton

Arshavin was a bit off his game today but still showed hints of his magical touch, when he started the play that led to the 4th goal. Actually, it was Fabregas who triggered the run of Van Persie, who returned the ball back to the sprinting Fabregas to make it 4-0. Fabregas made it 5, with a coolly taken shot from 25 yards. The goalkeeper Howard had no chance. He dedicated the goal to Espanyol captain Dani Jarque who passed away recently. It was a nice gesture from the 22 year old. He and VnP were later subbed and Ramsey and Eduardo were brought in to join Eboue who was brought in in place of Bendtner earlier.

Arshavin almost scored when he tried to place a shot from close range. But, the post was able to deny it. Unfortunately for Everton, the ball landed at the feet of Eduardo who had the easiest goal of the match.

In injury time, a little error from the defense enabled Luis Saha to score. But, he knew it was pointless and didn't celebrated.


My Man of the Match: Captain Fantastic Cesc Fabregas
2nd: Van Persie
3rd: Vermaelen/ Song

In the post match press conference, the captain made some valuable points. You can read them here.

I believe that the lads are determined to win something this season. But, the team needs to be together and I would not like to see any more transfers out of the club. With this emphatic victory, I guess that it wouldn't be a surprise if AW will not make any more signings before the deadline.

FPL

Hello everyone,

If you are a Barclay's Premier League fan, join the Barclay's Fantasy Premier League and test your managerial skills.

Here's the link.

Gameweek1 is kicking off right away and here is my team:


It would be nice if enough Bitsians sign up. We can make a private league and compare our scores with one another.

Hoping that the guys do well :P

The Final Verdict before Kickoff!

Well, well, well, the big moment is finally here. It's the kickoff for the Barclays' Premier League Season tomorrow and I am thrilled about it. Most Arsenal fans are in total disbelief before the start of the season but, I differ with them. I think this might be the season, in which our trophy drought will finally end. Nothing wrong in being a bit optimistic/realistic. I know that many have thought the same way before the start of our four previous campaigns, and were saddened to see the team not win anything at the end. I do not think that Cesc will be leaving the club this month. All the lads are really motivated and also have just the right amount of experience they need to prove the bookies wrong. Some things that will slow us down and have been doing so for some time now will be the injuries and the lack of an experienced bench.

Well, anyway here is my final verdict;

Chelsea look the strongest team on paper and a lot of depth in their squad, and this might be sufficient to win them the premier league, unless they goof up. There is no major improvement in the standard of the team with minimal activity in the transfer market. But, the advantage they have is that the rest of the BIG3 have supposedly been weakened by the departure of their star players.

Liverpool did well the previous season. But, they are a team that relies majorly on two key players, namely Torres and Gerrard. They cannot afford a injury to any of them.They also have a very poor defense. The loss of Xabi Alonso will add to this. Their key defenders are recovering from injuries and are doubtful for the first one or two games. If they lose points in these games, i do not see them competing for the honors at the end of it.

Manchester United will not win the title for sure. Rooney will be their key player and we may also expect him to pick up a couple of reds, unable to control his anger/rage on the pitch. They will not loose sight of the 1st place but, I do not see them winning. They still have their defense in tact and the major worries would be the injuries to Van Der Sar and Vidic at the start of the season. They have the easiest first 3 fixtures and this might save them from losing precious points.

Arsenal have the toughest start to the season with fixtures involving Everton, Manchester United and City(all AWAY fixtures) in the first 5 weeks. They also have their Champion's League qualifier against Celtic in between. It's a worrying start but, it can be crucial. If the team manages to get the most out of these fixtures, it will definitely boost their confidence and we could be gunning for glory. If we falter, we would have to fight out for the fourth Champion's League place against City or Liverpool.

I "feel"(it's a lot different from "think", if you know what i'm saying) that this would be the final league table(with the current teams and injuries out of cosideration )

1.Arsenal. Arshavin and Van Persie will break down defenses.
2.Liverpool. Will power prevails.
3.Chelsea. The slightly older team.
4.Manchester United. It will be close.
5.Everton. Not City, because of their relatively weak midfield and defense.

In the champion's league final however, I would like to see Barcelona and Real Madrid fight it out for the title. I don't think any other club can stop these Spanish Giants.

Will the BIG 4 really get toppled?

This the big question on every Barclays' Premier League fan. If yes is your answer, who will be the team that will break into the top 4? Will it be the heavy spenders Manchester City? Or, will it be one of Everton or Villa?


As I see it, Manchester City is the only club with a chance to break into the top 4. But, not with the team they have now. They would need a couple of good signings to reinforce their defense and also an excellent winger if they are going to play a 4-3-3. Another reason why I would fancy Manchester City to do this is because, they do not have any other major commitments, except the league, this season. Everton and Villa have a chance to battle it out for the Europa League.

It's going to be sensational season and i can't wait for it to get started. Will bring you more on my predictions for this season tomorrow.

181 Posts, last published on May 5, 2009

It's time to break the silence. Hehe, funny isn't it.I will not be able to make any noise by typing from my computer. Anyway, it's been a torrid, uncomfortable and a sweaty summer vacation for me. There is no way one can go out when the sun is out. And, for that matter, it's blazing hot from 8am to 6:30 pm. That's the reason why my hometown is called B(l)ezawada. I haven't done anything remarkably useful during my summer vacation. Played a lot of PES on my playstation and after getting back to college now, i find FIFA09 to be a bit crappy. Well, there is no such thing like perfect in the world of games or movies, is there?

I watched the closing stages of the IPL to start of with. I felt some sadistic happieness on seeing the Delhi Daredevils knocked out of the tournament by Deccan Chargers. This was primarily due to the fact that a bunch of my friends who were DD supporters, hated my favourite team, the Chennai Super Kings. So, it was mutual hate of the other's team, and nothing much. But, the happieness hadn't last long because CSK were knocked out in the match against the Bangalore Royal Challengers. Ironically, the two teams that finished last in the inaugural IPL beat the teams that finished 1st and 2nd in the league this year to seal a place in the final. Eventually, the Deccan Chargers won the tournament and were crowned champions. This made all of us happy as we belong to the Deccan region.


Immediately, the world cup followed in a summer of non-stop T20 action. It was a disappointing campaign for India. Most people haven't expected such kind of collapse. The Indian's so called 'weakness' to short pitch deliveries was exploited by West Indies and there was not way that we would make a reversal of the situation, we were in. There was a major attitude problem in the players, who were defending their Championship. To be champions, we have to play like champions. After the debacle, the media pointed fingers at the mangement and Dhoni. Dhoni rightfully apologized to the fans after the team's dismal performance in England.


Then it was immediatly off to the Carribean to hear some Calypso beats. West Indies is a struggling side internally, but are always dangerous to deal with. Yuvraj was continuing his brilliant run of form while captain fantastic Mahendra Sing Dhoni single handedly led a fight which ended up in vain in the 2nd ODI. The third ODI was rain struck and ultimately saw a dramatic finish. 11 runs were needed of the last over and Dhoni hit a six off Taylor to take a lead in the series. 2-1. The West Indies were dying to level the series in the final ODI but the rain gods had other plans. The match was abandoned and India salvaged some pride. What's interesting is the fact that it was only the 2nd series win for India in the West Indies.


Guess what, Baichung Bhutia's prediction(and mine too) was right. Barcelona eased past Manchester United in the champions league final. Chelsea came back from a goal down to lift the FA Cup, against Everton. And the transfer season, till now has been absolutely fantastic. I say this because, it's looking like it's going to be tough BPL season for all the top 4 teams. I still don't feel that ManCity will be able to clallenge any of the Top 4. They have players who have a lot of ego problems and they never really strengthened their defense. The mid field too is isn't good enough to break their way into the top4. Arsenal sign Thomas Vermaelen to fill in the problematic Left back role. I would have also loved to see Felip Melo at the club but he is now with Juventus. Wenger says that he is interested in signing Brede Hangeland and Chamack before the transfer window closes. Those will be good additions to an injury prone team like ours. I would say with 92% certainity that Manchester United will not be winning the league this season. Hope all goes well for the Gooners, this time. Arshavin my hero.


This is the fianl semester on-campus. We should have been busy with placement preparations and interviews, but the bad news is that the Recession hasn't really slowed down. There are only 10-15 companies coming out to the campus.

So, that's it for now. Have a great sunday!

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: SOUTH AFRICA

Here is the official poster for the event. It's brilliant. The shape of the continent turned like a footballer's head. Wow!