Footy

Hope everyone had a chance for a break over Christmas – and that you all had a good one! Ours was pretty quiet compared to some years. We actually put off the grandkids coming over – not because we didn't want to see them – but given that the medical position of both of us is currently not too brilliant – it made sense. I did a bit of baking mind – so there was Christmas cakes, and other ones too, for all! I did cook Christmas dinner (well it is traditional for me) for the five that could eat! I was really spoilt – given that I have lost a lot of weight (waist is now back to 36 – and I am almost 3 stone lighter than I was in January 2025 – some weight loss intended, some not) so I was inundated with new t-shirts that don't hang off me, loads of shorts for the winter, and a few track suit bottoms. I am also the proud owner of lots of new Star Wars and Arsenal stuff – including a massive Arsenal snoodie!

I was very angry during the Christmas – New Year's days as almost every night we had fireworks going off – Amber was a bit of a mess during that week. It seems overkill that you can use fireworks on any night – rather than just a few selected days. It is so unfair on all animals - those domesticated ones, and all the wild ones! Perhaps one day I might get my wish and their sale is banned!

The new major rounds of medical interventions start on Wednesday – when I will be having weekly chemo and daily radio – for about 5 weeks. Just hoping that the snow they are forecasting for next week doesn't happen, as we do have to drive to Southend Hospital for treatment. I also have a couple of X-rays to have, plus at least another MRI within the next month! Think I am going to be busy!

Against the seagulls we started oh so well. I thought it was going to be the tonking that we have threatened a couple of times – but again we had the nervy last few minutes with the game potentially hanging on a mistake. Mind you going in at the break just 1-0 up for all the dominance was a little disappointing. Still Martin Ø did get his first goal of the season, but 15 shots should have produced more. Still own goals got another one in the second half. Another game where we dug out a result – although the pressure in the second half was self-inflicted. We had to rely on Raya again – but oh my – what a save! How he managed that I do not know, I think we might have witnessed the save of the season.

I was a little worried when I saw the line-up for the Villa game as there was to be no Riceman in the middle! However, I think that gave Zubi the space to become more productive, and controlling. Villa were just spectators for most of the game. Good to see Big Gabi back on the pitch and scoring from a corner, and for all his whining It wasn't a foul on Emi – as much as he demanded it was. It was a great performance although Viktor again was not fed with the type of ball that he thrived on last year, then again I suppose the defences in the Premier League are mostly better than the Portuguese League.

Have to love the way that Sky Sports mentions, during every game they show now, that we have been at the top at Christmas 4 times (now 5) and have never finished on top. Hopefully that will be rectified this season!

Until next time – stay safe!

Flash

Inbetweenie Gordie?