That was what I heard from a few Hammers (skinheads with the Hammers-logo tattooed in their neck) on the Circle Line in 2000.

Let's hope that's not our faith tonight...

Our defence looked good against Liverpool, but we're facing more quality players tonight. Sorensen is a good goalkeeper, but maybe Toldo at his best could do a better job against the mighty Arsenal...

The season started off badly when you consider the optimism in the last few weeks before the season started. I did not see the Pompey match on TV (had to rely on text messages on my mobile phone while I was standing in a river trying to catch a salmon), but all the reports tell me we played badly. DOL did not do us any good when he dropped Mellberg, our best player.

The Liverpool game was a good performance, although we lacked the killing touch. The highlight for me was that Lee Hendrie had one of his better games. But I still consider Hadji a better player and a better option on the right. Mellberg and Johnsen had a solid partnership. Mellberg is our natural captain. Nice to see Johnsen crushing Heskey again and again until he lost all his confidence and was subbed. McCann looks a better player than I thought he was. And let's pray that Vassell (great that he signed that new contract), Angel and Allbäck starts getting the goals...

I can't break the blogtotty tradition, here's some lovely ladies...

Discuss

I got a seat near the executive area that day (us Scandinavians know how to get a good deal from the girls in the VIP-reception/ticket office, even if we arrive 10 minutes before kick off!!!). I could see a few prominent faces. Quite close to me was a manager with ambition. He had taken an average Premiership side to the top a few times with little or no help from his board. He had finally had enough of all the missed opportunities and "resigned" a few months earlier. I had faith in him. You guess who... About 10 seats below sat the "YES-man" who I fear will take us down, if not this, probably next season. The next day I could see our new "star striker" GT had just bought and has shown so much faith in since. We lost 1-0 against Leeds that day. And we also play them at our last game of this season at Elland Road. Could be a very big game. And Graham has shown this is not his type of games (16.09.02 and 03.03.03).

I guess I'm a "yid" in April: Sat Apr 05 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Tottenham v Birmingham 15:00 Sat Apr 12 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Leeds United v Tottenham 15:00

And probably even more a fan of Southampton and James Beattie... Sat Apr 05 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Southampton v West Ham Utd 15:00 Sat Apr 19 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Southampton v Leeds United 15:00 Mon Apr 21 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Birmingham v Southampton 15:00

Sat May 03 2003 Barclaycard Premiership Southampton v Bolton 17:35

Go Saints..!

Looking for a concert I had recorded, I went through som video tapes on Sunday. Suddenly the highlights from Villa-Fulham appeared. One Angel started the game and scored. He was subbed at half time. (See the picture if you don't remember what he looks like)

His replacement, Allbäck, who I haven't seen much of either, scored also.

Graham, I guess you prefer "your way" and 6'7" waste of space... It's your choice and it could take us down. Sad isn't it? But you'll get your money anyway from Uncle Doug, don't worry. Is it 30 silver pieces or even more a week?

Good news. We escaped a fine for 03.03.03. I was there and I don't regret going. It was the best atmosphere I have experienced at VP. Shame about the team and tactics though...

Dion Dublin: Why didn't you give Savage a REAL headbutt when you're going to get sent off anyway? I must admit that the bastard is a master in getting players sent off...

Got to see a few examples of police brutality too after the game. They didn't have any control at all, just charged anyone (including me).

And as always; I like to finish on a positive note...

Emin