Well, it was a good start with Tuncay scoring after 9 minutes to put the Boro ahead, but a hat-trick from Fernando Torres put paid to that. Stewart Downing scored in the 82nd minute to bring it to 3-2. And then Aliadiare was sent off!

Still at least we are better off than Arsenal’s Eduardo, who suffered a broken leg 3 minutes in, after a challenge by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor. I’m not keen on either team, so I’ll be an impartial voice here – the tackle was no worse than any other tackle in any other game today. It was an accident, that’s all – Arsene Wenger’s call for Taylor to be banned for life was ridiculous. Yes, very unfortunate for Eduardo, but this is the CONTACT SPORT you play. This is why the player’s wages are so high and the careers so short – not many play after 35, so they make all their money before that.

I certainly sympathize as I sit here with my broken feet – but I don’t feel Taylor should be subject to any ban greater than that imposed for a single red card. He’s gonna get enough stick every time he plays against Arsenal in the future – that should last him a lifetime. In any case, all reports suggest he was distraught over what had happened when he went back to the dressing room – if it was intentional, surely he’d be gloating!

Best wishes to Eduardo (even though you play for Arsenal…)

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