View From The Bridge

Success is a weird thing for Arsenal fans. Three consecutive wins against some fairly shite teams and all of a sudden we think it's 2004. However, 2022 could be the year that a big bank account and a team straight out of FIFA fall short against familiarity and a consistent brand of confident football.   I'll be the first to admit that I never expect anything special when a red and white shirt steps on a football pitch. Luckily, a team in Manchester has filled that void nicely and allowed the Gunners to get off to their best start in recent memory.  A solid performance that gradually got worse was enough to see off Crystal Palace in the season opener, but a new brand of confident football against Leicester and Bournemouth has sent Arsenal to the top of the table. With 35 games still to play, most football fans would be pretty confident in saying that the only way is down for Mikel Arteta's men - and I'd tend to agree. However, this year, there is something different.  Th...

The sun-kissed city of Miami will host its inaugural F1 Grand Prix this weekend, with over 300,000 fans set to flock to the newly built circuit.     Whilst most of this week’s action will take place on track, Haas boss Gunther Steiner has already noticed the massive impact the event has had on his US-based team.     He said, “ We’ve got a lot more interest for partnerships, for sponsorship and it has risen quite a lot. Having the race in Miami and adding a race in Las Vegas next year, a third race in the States, will help all of this.”   After a disastrous campaign in 2021, Haas have rallied to a brilliant start in 2022, capturing 3 top 10 finishes and 15 priceless points.    Another strong showing in Miami in front of a sell-out home crowd will surely keep Haas’ momentum flowing and ensure their place in F1 for years to come.   

Olympic boxing is facing an uncertain future after it missed the inclusion list for the LA Olympic Games in 2028. Not only could this have implications on the sport's popularity but would also remove the biggest platform for amateur stars to reach the professional ranks.  Since 1896, boxing has become a regular feature during the Olympic Games and provides an unrivalled stage for amateur boxers to attract professional attention. Notable gold medal winners include the likes of Mohammed Ali, Anthony Joshua, and George Foreman, all of which went on to hold multiple heavyweight world titles as professionals. IBA Boxing However, it's exclusion from the LA Olympics in 2028 could remove the pathway that many current amateur boxers strive toward.  Amateur boxer Todd Dossett is one of the many young stars who are disappointed with the news and believes that excluding the sport from the Olympics would be "unfair".  He said "The Olympics is not the only way to turn pro and ...

It's no secret that boxing has had a spotted past, but when people look back at the history of this once beloved sport, many will remember this moment as its darkest hour.  As reported by the Daily Mail , Jake Paul and former heavyweight titan, Mike Tyson, have verbally agreed to a £36 million super-fight deal, that will take place in Las Vegas sometime this year. With a 31-year age gap separating the two fighters, it's safe to say that this matchup has come straight from the glorious minds that brought us Rocky Balboa, the 2006 rotten tomato of a film that brought the Rocky franchise crumbling to the ground. Unfortunately, I fear boxing is going to come to a very similar demise.  Back when Jake Paul first burst onto the pro-boxing scene, many people saw the same thing I did. A 22-year-old kid with a big mouth and social media following. Nevertheless, one unconscious retired basketball player later and suddenly Jake Paul was the next big name in boxing, appearing next to the l...

After bursting on the scene in 2017, Mo Salah has captured the hearts and minds of Merseyside with season upon season of impressive displays.  With a Premier League and Champions League trophy already under his belt, what more does the Egyptian have to do to become Liverpool's best ever player? In my mind, he already is.  Before Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish fans come jumping out the woodwork, let's get something straight. Despite popular belief, statistics and analytics are never the true measure of a player, especially when you're comparing players across three different eras of football. If they were, Kenny Dalglish would go down as one of the best players in football history, with Gerrard and Salah acting as a footnote in Liverpool's success.  Kenny Dalglish - Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com However, since the debut of the Premier League in 1992, the quality and style of play has improved significantly. Liverpool's five consecutive title wins from 1978-198...

At just 18-years-old, Emma Raducanu shocked the world in September, winning the US Open in straight sets against Canadian Leylah Fernandez. In doing so, not only did she become the first British woman to win a grand slam title in 44 years, but also became the nations sweetheart almost overnight. However, recent events could cause a spectacular fall from grace for the young star.  Ranked at 150th in the world, Emma Raducanu entered last years Wimbledon Championships under a cloud of self imposed pressure. It was her first visit to her home major and after winning comfortably in the opening rounds, Raducanu decided she could not continue, retiring from the championships midway through her battle with Austrila's Ajla Tomljanovic in the Round of 16.  This prompted the first in a long line of coach divorces that Raducanu has been involved in over the past few months, as she split from the highly experienced Nigel Sears shortly after Wimbledon exit. She then hired the talents of chi...

It's official, Newcastle United are the richest club in world football. A Saudi-backed consortium has finalised the financial takeover from current owner Mike Ashley for a sum of £300 million. Not only does this turn a once derelict football club into the kingpin of Europe, but also restores hope to a loyal fan base that hasn't seen any relevant Premier League success since the late '90s. However, whilst the pockets of the owners might be deep, will they be able to convince big-name players to make St James' Park their permanent address? The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, as they're more widely known, have an estimated worth of £320 billion and their procurement of Newcastle United make them the wealthiest club owners on the planet. This effectively turns the Magpies into the new Manchester City and hope to buy their way to the top of the Premier League on their way to conquering all of Europe. Upon completion of the takeover, it was also rumoured that current...

"You're not great".  In terms of defining Ben Simmons' career so far, the words of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal couldn’t be more fitting. A problematic stint for the Philidelphia 76ers has landed the former number one pick in a tricky sitaution moving foward, as he has made clear that he no longer wants to be part of “The Process” but it seems little to no NBA franchises want a part of him either.  Back in 2016, Ben Simmons was the number one name in college basketball. The 6’9” combo gaurd showed every indication that he was going to be a star in the NBA, getting the nod from the likes of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Ever since it has been something of a downward spiral. Injury issues plagued Simmons rookie season and he didn’t offically step onto an NBA court until October 2017 but was quick to bounce back.  Ben Simmons - allproreels.com Consistant seasons in 2018 and 2019 quickly earned him a spot as one of the NBA’s premier play makers and defenders, resulting...

Haas has become a diminishing entity in the world of Formula One for several seasons now. Debuting in 2018, the US-owned Haas has gone from top 4 contenders, to back of the pack scrappers, all in the space of 3 seasons. However, heading in 2021, Haas team principal Guenther Steiner decided to make no significant car developments and instead pool all available resources into 2022. Is it a touch of genius or does it mark the final nail in the coffin?  2022 signals a breath of fresh air for Haas and Guenther Steiner. Not only do the upcoming regulation changes promise to bring more dramatic racing back to Formula One, but could also significantly reshuffle the F1 food chain. So, whilst teams such as Mercedes and Red Bull continue to develop this year's car in their hopes to make their drivers world champions, Haas could have the capability to make a shock return to the top in 2022.  Romain Grosjean driving the VF-20 during the pre-season tests in Barcelona - Wikimedia Commons As ...

This past weekend, the Italian Grand Prix once again delivered on it’s promise to be one of the most unpredictable races on the F1 calendar. In a weekend that saw flashes of brilliance throughout the grid, another Mercedes and Red Bull collision was the story that grabbed headlines and sparked controversy throughout the paddock.  Although both drivers were unharmed in the accident, Max Verstappen walked away from a pointless weekend in Monza with a 3-place grid penalty, after he was deemed the main culprit in his latest clash with the seven time world champion. On the other hand, Hamilton was given nothing more than a bump on the head and a significant advantage heading into the next round. Not only do I believe that the FIA’s findings are wrong, but also feel that their applied penalty is more in the name of ‘tit for tat’ than anything else.  Let’s break it down.  Stage 1 - Under Breaking  With Hamilton exiting the pits and Verstappen starting to enter the breaking ...

Every so often, a singular athlete defines a new generation for their sport. In the world of tennis, Serena Williams was that defining star and dominated every court across the globe for almost two decades. Presently, there are a handful of young stars that are in line to succeed the 23-time grand slam champion, but the trojan horse among them is 18-year-old Emma Raducanu. Bursting onto the scene at Wimbledon, Raducanu showed early signs of promise, entering the tournament at just 18-years-old, and winning her first 3 matches in straight sets. However, a perceived medical issue saw her retire from her 4th round matchup against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic, leaving her exposed to some serious doubt surrounding her future.  Famed controversialist Piers Morgan was met with fierce retaliation from fans when he accused Raducanu of "quitting when she was losing badly" and called her retirement "Not brave but a shame".  Ever since her performances have been nothing sho...

Statistically speaking, Sir Lewis Hamilton is already the most successful driver in Formula One history, boasting 99 career wins, 101 pole positions, and 7 driver world titles. However, his condition as a serial whiner has left a sour taste in the mouth of his fellow drivers and others in the paddock, painting him as an F1 supervillain for this season and beyond.  As one of the winningest drivers in Formula One history, it would be easy to say that most feelings of hate or sourness toward Hamilton are simply out of jealousy or bitterness. After all, the British driver has been at the top of the F1 leaderboards for over a decade and has won every driver's world title since 2016. However, it is the way that Hamilton has conducted himself both on and off the track that has cast a significant shadow over what was once a beloved sporting icon.  Lewis Hamilton - marca.com The serial whiner has developed quite a reputation over the past few seasons and has turned Hamilton into F1's n...

“Overrated” is a term that’s past around quite harshly. Whilst Tatum saw his biggest jump in performance for the Celtics over this past season, there is still some questions surrounding his ability to lead the NBA’s most successful franchise to thier 18th league title.  This past season, Tatum averaged an impressive 26.4 points per game whilst shooting 40.3% from 3, but only managed to lead the Celtics to a bitter first round exit in this years playoffs. At 23 years of age, there are only a handful players in league history that have been expected to step up and lead a professional franchise. That being said, Tatum has certainly had his fair share of help in the form of All-Stars Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward, and Jaylen Brown, all of which have added up to a mediocre supporting cast in Boston throughout 2021.  Jayson Tatum - skysports.com Moving into 2022, the Celtics have had a complete franchise reshuffle, promoting former head coach Brad Stevens to Head of Basketball Operat...

Ronaldo’s return to the Red Devil’s marks the pièce de résistance of this summers transfer window and may just kickstart United’s first legitimate title run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, it won’t be Ronaldo’s supreme skill or elite goalscoring ability that will earn United their fourteenth Premier League title. Instead, it will be his drive to be great that will steer others to new heights.    It’s no secret that Ronaldo has long been heralded the hardest worker in world football. In 1026 appearances for club and country, the Portuguese frontman has directly contributed to over 974 goals, compared to Messi’s 911, making him the most deadly striker in footballs 150 year history. He has captured five Champions League titles and seven league titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, earning him 5 Ballon d’Or trophies and 4 European Golden Boots in the process.    Even at 36, Ronaldo’s insane work ethic has pushed him past the boundaries of basic h...

Amid the signing of Lionel Messi from Barcelona, the world spotlight has never been brighter in the city of Paris. With a strike force that rivals a small nuclear warhead, the addition of Messi to PSG’s already stellar lineup, the French side are the clear favourites to appear on the face on every possible piece of silverware in 2021 and beyond. For most, this season represents a massive opportunity for Paris and it’s players to stake their claim in history as one of footballs greatest ever side. However, the volatile ego of Kylian Mbappe has other plans.  Kylian Mbappe - liverpool.com Since bursting onto the Champions League scene in 2017, the young French wunderkind has gone from strength to strength at PSG, collecting 3 Ligue One titles and two visits to the Champions League Final. With 91 goals for PSG under his belt and a place on any big league side almost guaranteed, it wouldn’t be hard for any 22 year old to develop a €200 million ego. Unfortunately for Mbappe, it may just ...