The Champions League draw pitching Arsenal against Barcelona brought the footballing equivalent of Angel Delight – tasty, light and, for the Catalan giants at least, easy to finish.
Anyone who kids themselves that the Gunners have a chance because both sides “want to play football” should check themselves into Broadmoor. Bathos, my English Literature A-level taught me, is an abrupt transition from the sublime to the ridiculous. For a modern definition, try comparing Lionel Messi to Nicklas Bendtner.
Or alternatively look at the pasty, quicksilver genius Andrés Iniesta, and imagine him running at that great lummox for the ages, Sol Campbell. Rumours about the former Spurs and Portsmouth defender’s mental toughness – or lack of it – have followed him throughout his career. After Iniesta has finished with him, Campbell may well be joining the masses of deluded Arsenal fans on the bus to Broadmoor.
On a different, less incendiary matter, after the first weekend in months not to reduce me to a shivering wreck watching Arsenal in my front room whilst wearing thermal underwear, one inescapable conclusion must be reached: summer is on its way.
Finally, the football and rugby seasons are nearing their completion and attention can be turned to the fairer sports, the ones that do not require bodies to be caked in mud or fingers to be ridden with frostbite. It’s time for cricket, tennis, bowls and outdoor badminton. And guess what? Islington is the place to be for a summer of sizzling sport.
Whether it’s a game of cricket with a few cold beers in Finsbury Park, or a spot of tennis at the Islington Tennis Centre, the warmer weather gives sports fans across the borough the perfect chance to get involved; so make sure you do, whatever your ability.
Many beginners worry about approaching clubs for fear of being laughed at or not welcomed, but this is misplaced. Clubs thrive on new blood and welcome new starters of all abilities with open arms. If you fancy a go at anything this summer, a good place to look is http://sportislington.co.uk/. Here you can find contact details for clubs dealing with almost every sport known to man, from archery to yoyo display.
So use the summer for sport, it’s better than staying in.
