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Friday 4th November, 2005

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THE CROW - By CATHERINE ETOE & RICHARD OSLEY

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Honours even, but scores to settle

MY how the mighty have fallen. I watched in amazement on Saturday as Martin Jol’s older brother attempted to get me to join in his conga at the full time whistle.
At half time, my esteemed rival looked like a man who had lost his wife and found his mother-in-law.
Half an hour later, he was smugness itself. Because Arsenal had drawn. To Spurs.

But while a lucky, lucky goal may have put a spring in his underachieving team’s step, I’ve comforted myself with thoughts of the outstanding efforts on the day. Among them is Sol Campbell coming over all Lilywhite and passing to Michael Carrick like a jittery Sunday leaguer.
Then there was the moment Ledley King slipped the ball off the toe of Jose ‘village idiot’ Reyes three yards from goal.
How about Sol Campbell almost scoring in his own net?
Even better was England’s No 1 jinking the ball past the Village Idiot. Three yards from goal.
But then there was Sol Campbell setting Jermain Defoe on his way with a sublime pass. Arsene Wenger’s flap happy bird impression along the line has to be up there amongst them. But Lauren surpassed them all by doing a Sol Campbell. That’s kicking the ball…out of play. Again. Keep him? I’m denying we ever had him.

CAN you remember what you were doing six years ago?
I only ask because its been that long since Tottenham beat Arsenal, hilariously they bungled a chance to do it on Saturday when they again managed to botch things up in the north London derby. It made me laugh – but all the bad sports at the Lane could do was chuck conkers around like schoolkids.

To think, there are some real schoolkids who will have gone through school in the six years Tottenham haven’t beaten Arsenal – that’s six years of playground banter without being able to toast a derby win in front of your Arsenal mates. Poor souls. I wouldn’t have got through double science without being able to celebrate the latest Ian Wright winner.
Think of what has happened since 1999. Wars have been started and finished, politicians have risen and fallen, England got round to winning the Ashes. I lost my hair and gained a beer belly – some of you out there may even have done more productive things.
But it all makes you wonder: if Tottenham couldn’t beat an injury-depleted Arsenal on a day like Saturday, who knows when they will get the chance to party like its 1999 again.
On a serious point. Tottenham. I hate you. Fans that sing “Sit Down, You Paedophile” at a football match go too far. Spurs should feel ashamed.
Videprinter: Grimsby 0 Northampton 0.

• Are they talking rubbish? Let us know at Your Shout, 40 Camden Road, NW1 9DR or by email: sport@camdennewjournal.co.uk

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