Violence at West Ham v Millwall match

Following this on Sky Sports news like everyone else. Apparently there's been lots of trouble outside the stadium resulting in at least one stabbing. West Ham currently leading 3-1 but the fans invaded the pitch after their second goal postponing play for a while. This is a disgrace and a kick in the teeth for all us genuine fans who do our best not to live up to the reputation of English fans and try to enjoy our game in a fun but not intimidating way. Regardless of the result, boot both clubs out of the competition and dock them some points. The football league can't dock little clubs like Chester huge numbers of points for financial problems and leave appalling behaviour like this from the bigger clubs unpunished.

Sol Campbell joins Notts County

Imagine the reaction of the bookie if you'd placed a bet a few months ago that Sven would end up at Notts County. Imagine his laughter if you'd gone on to do an accumulator with Sol Campbell. Well, if you have the gift of second sight you'll be counting your piles of money right now, as it has been confirmed today that the former England, Spurs, Arsenal and Pompey defender has gone on a free to the second division club.

Although big Sol hasn't been part of the England set-up since Capello took the helm, and although at 35 he is in the twilight of his career, Campbell is far from a desperate ageing star. Harry Redknapp has stated that he would have signed him for Spurs, if the fans their did not still harbour such a hatred for him after his move to Arsenal in 2001 (get over it Lilywhites ... footballers are allowed to change jobs just like the rest of us). Campbell confirmed that he'd had offers from Premiership clubs but chose the Notts County gig as it would keep him playing first team football for hopefully another 3 years and was a very interesting challenge for him to help take Notts County to the Premiership in this period.

Another of Campbell's former bosses, Arsene Wenger, has also sung the big defender's praises, but in typical Wenger style also added a note of caution; namely that Campbell would find the conditions in League 2 very different and might struggle mentally. Campbell has of course had problems in the past in this area, but hopefully it will be challenges of a more physical nature that will be the hardest to overcome, for example the pitches!!

Since Sven arrived at Notts County, rumours have been rife. Beckham has even been linked with the club!! It is however fascinating to see how what must be a fairytale for Notts County fans is unravelling - two weeks ago Schmeichel Junior arrived at the club and almost certainly Sven will have other surprises up his sleeve. It makes for great 5 live debates and blogging, so you have to wish the club (and Sol) luck.

Is Liverpool's title challenge over?

Liverpool's run of 31 unbeaten matches at home was abruptly ended last night, with an impressive defensive display from Aston Villa and a lacklustre performance from Liverpool resulting in a 1:3 defeat. Although the Scousers beat Stoke mid-week, their defeat to Spurs in the opening match of the season means they have lost the same amount of matches in 2 weeks as they did in the whole of last season. Liverpool are therefore six points behind early leaders Tottenham and Chelsea, who have won all three of their matches, while Arsenal and Manchester City hold 100% winning records with a game in hand on the leaders. It will be of small comfort to Liverpool fans that Manchester United have six points from three games, having lost to newly promoted Burnley last week.

Liverpool fans must be worried that the gap left by Alonso is proving significant, particularly as the intended replacement Alberto Aquilani is injured. Benitez has not been given the money to be anything like as active in the transfer market as 2 of the clubs currently ahead of Liverpool in the table (Man City and Spurs). The only remaining members of the victorious champions league squad are Gerrard, whose talisman status has taken a battering after giving away a penalty last night, and Carragher. Whether the rest of the sqaud have the quality to hold their own against the likes of Man U and Arsenal os yet to be seen, but the evidence so far this season is not promising. It would definitely be a great boost to the Anfield as well as the squad if Benitez could complete a big name signing before the end of the transfer window.

Clearly however anyone sensible will know that it is entirely possible to lose 2 matches and win the title race. The current holders, Man United, lost 4 matches in the 2008-9 season and 5 matches in the 2007-8 season. Suggesting that Benitez' men have no chance of winning their first league title in over 20 years is definitely premature, even if it does lessen the pain for Everton fans of being at the bottom of the table after some shocking performances.

So in answer to whether Liverpool's title challenge is over, I'd say not, but you'll get good odds right now! Plus if you know any reds, then it's a great line to wind them up!