The English pronounce it Daar-beee, with the enthusiasm and syllabic length dependent on the number of mid-afternoon pints and glutenous spittle inducing pies.
Derbies are as much a part of the tradition of the game of football as the usage of a ball and goalposts.
The allure lies in pitting two hometown, sometimes regionally proximate clubs against each other in a battle of both clubs and passionate fan bases.
While rivalries thrive in other major professional sports, derbies are what separate soccer from the pack.
These facts are as much subjective as they are absolute; derby football cannot be matched for it's intensity and passion.
Even the subway series of 2000 between the Yankess and Mets could not compare to a chilly evening in North London with Spurs hosting Arsenal, the season hanging in the balance, as the former fight for a top 4 finish and inclusion in next annum's Champions League, the latter battling to stay within reach of Manchester United and the elusive Premiership crown.
In what proved to be the Premier League's most entertaining match of the season, Arsenal drew 3-3 with Tottenham, seemingly falling short for the title again, with United having a 6 point advantage with 5 to play. What's worse for Gunners supporters, is that another London rival, Chelsea, defeated Birmingham City to climb into a 2nd-place tie with Arsenal.
Only adding to the more than century-long rivalry between Spurs and Gunners was the importance of the match.
A derby can be identified from a distance for the consistency of tackles riddled with temerity and the reckless pursuit of the ball. Red-faced supporters scream words better left not heard by the broadcasters mics field-side and referees stand in a pit of solitude amongst the throws of insults and flagrant fouls.
Just this past weekend, Manchester City and cross-town rivals United squared-off in a hotly contested FA Cup semi-final. Even though many of the players on the pitch weren't English, and none were from Manchester, during derbies, the players assume the position of the hometown supporters and fight for a victory. Those who do not are quickly cast-off to join another club that will be more tolerant of an insolent little piece of shit Argentine.
City was victor with a 2-1 result, almost guaranteeing a trophy leading up to the final at Wembley versus minnows Stoke City.
The same applies when Newcastle and Sunderland battle for the honour of being Yorkshire's best club, or when the likes of Portsmouth, Blackpool or Southhampton knock-heads for supremacy of the South.
Sometimes these battles are more than a competition to determine the city's best, but can be an ethnic or cultural battle too. When Barcelona is pitted against Espanyol twice a Primera League season, it is the Catalans of Barcelona versus the nationalist of Spain supported by Espanyol, pitting sovereignty against nationalism.
When Inter Milan and AC Milan square-off at the shared San Siro Stadium, it is the city's original club (AC) against the one formed as a result of AC's refusal to include international players more than a century ago - hence the Internazionale name. Also in Italy, the Torino derby of Juventus vs. Torino is a case of the haves (Juve) versus the have-nots (Torino), while the Genoa - Sampdoria derby is a battle for not only the city, but also the Luigi Ferrari Stadium they share. The Rome derby featuring Roma and Lazio has oft been a lightning rod for blood-thirsty fans, reckless tackles and goalie-striking flares.
I could actually sit here all day, mentioning and analysing the various derbies contested around the world - I've only pointed-out a few of my favorites, omitting amongst others in great detail such as the 'Old Firm' between Celtic (Catholic) and Rangers (Protestant) or a favorite of mine witnessed last season first hand between Lile and Valenciennes in North-Eastern France.
As important to the game as the rules themselves, derbies continue to be a highlight for many a football fan, and more often than not, the source of a insipid taste left in the mouths of those who just witnessed their club draw with pitiful Tottenham.
Showing posts with label Tottenham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tottenham. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Things I've Learned From Footy
On Tuesday, Tottenham Hotspur kicked-off the round of 16 Champions League matches with a strong 1-0 victory against Italian league leaders AC Milan at the famed San Siro stadium.
The Spurs fielded a team filled with many a 2nd choice and also-ran, only to break the Rossoneri on the counter-attack with Aaron Lennon's blistering pace on the wing and a clinical finish from the giraffe-like Peter Crouch for a pivotal away goal in the 1st leg of a two-leg aggregate-based round.
The North London side was stubborn, finished every tackle and did a great deal to annoy the opposition. Rossoneri midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, known for his punishing tactics and his bull-in-a-china-shop grace on the pitch, was annoyed to the point of head butting Spurs assistant Joe Jordan on the pitch line at the match's conclusion.
Classy guy to say the least. His inability to control his anger was acceptable 5 years ago, as in his prime, he played a major role in Italy's World Cup win by cementing the Azzuri midfield.
Gattuso wasn't the only Milan player whose emotions raged that night. Tempers flared for many a Rossoneri following several hard tackles and the cancellation of Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 90th minute equalizer because of a foul in the box against Hotspur centre-back Michael Dawson. It was a legit foul call, keeping in mind there are few things I despise more than Tottenham, including many a terminal illness.
Needless to say, the Italians were very emotive, more so than usual, which says a great deal about a people who rarely shy from the opportunity to express themselves, whether it be by means of language, gestures or facial expressions. This is not a generalization, but merely an observance based on watching loads of Italian football, attending a private boys high school made-up of predominantly Italians and spending time in Europe amidst many an Azzuri.
Regardless of the root or reason for such expressions, Italian footballers tend to be a microcosm of the people, rarely shying from the opportunity to plead there case with an official, hands outstretched, palms facing up to display a host of emotions.
Speaking Italian is not just about the words, but about the hand gestures and facial expressions that go along with it. It's been said that having a phone conversation with a native Sicilian can be an exercise in patience, while an Italian with a broken hand is considered to have a speech impediment.
I thoroughly enjoy such displays of emotion and thank football every day for allowing outsiders to peer-into a world where cultures are on full display, where individuals stand-out for their performances, yet regardless of ethnicity or creed, great teams are made of 11 different people joined in the commonality of winning.
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On another note, it must feel like shit being a Tottenham supporter.
Your bid for the Olympic Stadium in London was foiled by West Ham's more practical application, your club is in great form in the Premier League, only to sit in 4th and stare eyes-wide up the table at rivals Arsenal who sit in 2nd, and adding insult to injury, the day after defeating Italian leaders AC Milan, Arsenal outshines your performance by dismantling Barcelona at its on game, the team arguably considered the World's Best, EVER. Fucking Spurs.
The Spurs fielded a team filled with many a 2nd choice and also-ran, only to break the Rossoneri on the counter-attack with Aaron Lennon's blistering pace on the wing and a clinical finish from the giraffe-like Peter Crouch for a pivotal away goal in the 1st leg of a two-leg aggregate-based round.
The North London side was stubborn, finished every tackle and did a great deal to annoy the opposition. Rossoneri midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, known for his punishing tactics and his bull-in-a-china-shop grace on the pitch, was annoyed to the point of head butting Spurs assistant Joe Jordan on the pitch line at the match's conclusion.
Classy guy to say the least. His inability to control his anger was acceptable 5 years ago, as in his prime, he played a major role in Italy's World Cup win by cementing the Azzuri midfield.
Gattuso wasn't the only Milan player whose emotions raged that night. Tempers flared for many a Rossoneri following several hard tackles and the cancellation of Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 90th minute equalizer because of a foul in the box against Hotspur centre-back Michael Dawson. It was a legit foul call, keeping in mind there are few things I despise more than Tottenham, including many a terminal illness.
Needless to say, the Italians were very emotive, more so than usual, which says a great deal about a people who rarely shy from the opportunity to express themselves, whether it be by means of language, gestures or facial expressions. This is not a generalization, but merely an observance based on watching loads of Italian football, attending a private boys high school made-up of predominantly Italians and spending time in Europe amidst many an Azzuri.
Regardless of the root or reason for such expressions, Italian footballers tend to be a microcosm of the people, rarely shying from the opportunity to plead there case with an official, hands outstretched, palms facing up to display a host of emotions.
Speaking Italian is not just about the words, but about the hand gestures and facial expressions that go along with it. It's been said that having a phone conversation with a native Sicilian can be an exercise in patience, while an Italian with a broken hand is considered to have a speech impediment.
I thoroughly enjoy such displays of emotion and thank football every day for allowing outsiders to peer-into a world where cultures are on full display, where individuals stand-out for their performances, yet regardless of ethnicity or creed, great teams are made of 11 different people joined in the commonality of winning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On another note, it must feel like shit being a Tottenham supporter.
Your bid for the Olympic Stadium in London was foiled by West Ham's more practical application, your club is in great form in the Premier League, only to sit in 4th and stare eyes-wide up the table at rivals Arsenal who sit in 2nd, and adding insult to injury, the day after defeating Italian leaders AC Milan, Arsenal outshines your performance by dismantling Barcelona at its on game, the team arguably considered the World's Best, EVER. Fucking Spurs.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Mid-Week EPL Review
Just in case some of you had to work these past few days, fear not, I have the all you need to know about the English Premier Leagues mid-week matches.
With the transfer window closing late Monday night, the first week of February marks the beginning of the stretch run for clubs in the English Premier League. At this juncture, full points become vital not only for the handful of clubs chasing the EPL crown, but also for those hoping not to be relegated at season’s end.
On Tuesday, league-leaders Manchester United trounced struggling Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford to stay atop the Premier League table. More than simply 3 points for the United faithful, Wayne Rooney scored twice marking a possible return to form amidst a season of disappointing individual performances.
Arsenal remained 5 points back of United with a 2-1 win over Everton at North London’s Emirates Stadium. The Gunners came from behind following a missed offside call that resulted in a goal for Toffees striker Louis Saha. Arsenal substituted physical play for their typically flair-driven football in preparation for their mid-month Champions League tilt with All-World Spanish giants Barcelona.
Chelsea got a much needed 3 points away at Sunderland with a 4-2 victory to remain fourth in the table, with goals from Terry, Lampard, Kalou and Anelka. Record signing Fernando Torres is expected to make his debut Sunday against his former club Liverpool.
West Bromwich Albion and Wigan drew 2-2 at the Hawthornes in a match between two of the EPL’s clubs trapped in the relegation zone. Both clubs desperately needed the full 3 points.
Wednesday marked a vital performance for Liverpool, as they claimed their 3rd consecutive Premier League win with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City. New signing Luis Suarez was substituted into the match in the 63rd minute to rousing applause from supporters at Anfield, only to score an insurance marker in the 79th to ensure the victory.
Birmingham came from behind twice at home to Manchester City for 2-2 draw. With the other 3 clubs in the top 4 getting full points the previous day, City was dealt a crushing blow to its title hopes with the draw. They now sit 8 points back of cross-city rivals United with an extra game played.
Tottenham remained 3 points back of Chelsea for 4th with a 1-0 win away at Blackburn. Peter Crouch’s 4 minute goal was enough to deny a Blackburn side that fought valiantly for new manager Steve Kean.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham continued a run of good form as Damien Duff scored against his former club Newcastle for a 1-0 victory.
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Wednesday also marked the announcement by Manchester United defender Gary Neville of his retirement retroactive right the fuck now. He came through the United Academy ranks alongside the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and enjoyed plenty of success with the club in his 20 years. I've never liked the guy. That won't change now. Good riddance Gary.
That's that kids - enjoy shovelling tonight and don't forget, not only is the Super Bowl this coming Sunday, but Chelsea play Liverpool in Nando Torres' return and the Magic visit the Celtics.
With the transfer window closing late Monday night, the first week of February marks the beginning of the stretch run for clubs in the English Premier League. At this juncture, full points become vital not only for the handful of clubs chasing the EPL crown, but also for those hoping not to be relegated at season’s end.
On Tuesday, league-leaders Manchester United trounced struggling Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford to stay atop the Premier League table. More than simply 3 points for the United faithful, Wayne Rooney scored twice marking a possible return to form amidst a season of disappointing individual performances.
Arsenal remained 5 points back of United with a 2-1 win over Everton at North London’s Emirates Stadium. The Gunners came from behind following a missed offside call that resulted in a goal for Toffees striker Louis Saha. Arsenal substituted physical play for their typically flair-driven football in preparation for their mid-month Champions League tilt with All-World Spanish giants Barcelona.
Chelsea got a much needed 3 points away at Sunderland with a 4-2 victory to remain fourth in the table, with goals from Terry, Lampard, Kalou and Anelka. Record signing Fernando Torres is expected to make his debut Sunday against his former club Liverpool.
West Bromwich Albion and Wigan drew 2-2 at the Hawthornes in a match between two of the EPL’s clubs trapped in the relegation zone. Both clubs desperately needed the full 3 points.
Wednesday marked a vital performance for Liverpool, as they claimed their 3rd consecutive Premier League win with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City. New signing Luis Suarez was substituted into the match in the 63rd minute to rousing applause from supporters at Anfield, only to score an insurance marker in the 79th to ensure the victory.
Birmingham came from behind twice at home to Manchester City for 2-2 draw. With the other 3 clubs in the top 4 getting full points the previous day, City was dealt a crushing blow to its title hopes with the draw. They now sit 8 points back of cross-city rivals United with an extra game played.
Tottenham remained 3 points back of Chelsea for 4th with a 1-0 win away at Blackburn. Peter Crouch’s 4 minute goal was enough to deny a Blackburn side that fought valiantly for new manager Steve Kean.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham continued a run of good form as Damien Duff scored against his former club Newcastle for a 1-0 victory.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday also marked the announcement by Manchester United defender Gary Neville of his retirement retroactive right the fuck now. He came through the United Academy ranks alongside the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and enjoyed plenty of success with the club in his 20 years. I've never liked the guy. That won't change now. Good riddance Gary.
That's that kids - enjoy shovelling tonight and don't forget, not only is the Super Bowl this coming Sunday, but Chelsea play Liverpool in Nando Torres' return and the Magic visit the Celtics.
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