Arsenal, City show class in thrillers

Happy holidays to everyone! My family had a great Christmas and I hope yours did as well. You certainly could not have asked for a better gift from the English game than what we saw this weekend. There were so many goals and exciting moments that I’ll overlook the fact that we didn’t see much defending!

Two games really stood out for me. I want to start at the Emirates, where Arsenal finally showed us what they are capable of.

I never like seeing my old team beat with goals to spare, but that was a ten-goal thriller that I think will have long-range implications not only for Arsenal but for England as well. Theo Walcott showed exactly why he thinks he should be a central striker, giving a top-notch display that should end any doubts on Arsenal’s side about re-signing him. The young man was simply spectacular, and if he can perform like that for England, he’s going to be very special indeed. Arsenal still have questions at the back – Kieran Gibbs did not have a good day – but they look super going forward. They are going to be hard to handle.

Newcastle simply have too many players out injured. And, aside from Fabricio Coloccini, they have some real questions at the back. I also think some of the players in the squad are lucky to be there, and should appreciate the chance that they have been given. Alan Pardew is not going to panic, and he’s started with a move for Mathieu Debuchy, but he will have to do more to strengthen the side. The Demba Ba situation is probably going to be decided for him, and that’s fine; I think the focus will just have to shift to Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa.

City is the other impressive squad that caught the eye this weekend, with a performance against Norwich that I thought showed a real championship spirit. They lost Samir Nasri to a dubious decision by the ref, and came back and showed they will fight for everything this season against a very slick team. City are as good as anyone in Europe right now, and if they can catch fire at the right time, United will be given a real run for their money.

I want to congratulate Frank Lampard: he had two fine goals today and for my money, he’s the best goal-scoring midfielder of his generation. It’s been difficult for Frank but he’s been a model professional, just putting his head down and playing the game through. We tend to lose sight of things with the money and glamor in this sport, and I think he’s set a good example by showing up and letting his work on the field speak for him. That’s the kind of workhorse character any team can use, and if he comes out here to Los Angeles, he’d be magnificent for MLS and the Galaxy.

Now, the bad: Harry Redknapp’s got a big job in London with QPR. The goals they allowed against Liverpool were too easy. On top of it, to see the players’ heads go down like that is disturbing. Harry’s impact has worn off and now he’s got to get some backup in the transfer window. Some of the players have had a lot of time to show the fans and the club what they are worth and simply haven’t. It’s not always going to be easy as a player, and sometimes when things get hard, people check out. But the club needs fighters right now, and I think Harry’s got to go out and get some real men to put spirit back on the field.

And speaking of men, Aston Villa needs some as well to even out the lads. I understand what Paul Lambert is trying to do with the club, and youth will ultimately pay some dividends. Change is not always easy, and I know it’s hit some of Villa’s older players hard; I was in the same situation when I played for Derby – I was the old hand who lost my place to a younger player. That’s part of the game, and I accepted it. But to toss out all the old heads and just ride youth is not smart. Lambert is liable to lose his young players as well as the losses pile up. From where I sit, he needs to swallow his pride and get some experience and balance back in there.

We’ve been counting down the best moments of the year, and for me, Sergio Aguero’s goal for Manchester City on the final day stands out. The pressure he was under and coolness of that finish cannot be beat. I also have to single out Chelsea’s win in Munich – that was a special day for English soccer and a great win. You may disagree – tell me on Twitter at @warrenbarton2. I truly love hearing from you guys and bantering back and forth!

Do join us New Year’s Day: we’re up bright and early with two great games and then continue on Wednesday with Chelsea from the Bridge. And don’t forget: the FA Cup makes its debut on FOX this coming Saturday as West Ham host Manchester United.

Last but not least: on behalf of everyone at FOX Soccer: Happy New Year from our families to yours!