12/03/24
May 30, 2011
The Game With The Most At Stake: is won by Swansea, who next season become the first non-English club in the Premier League.
That was a wild game. I didn't really care who won I was just glad there was some live football on the TV but when Reading came back after half-time, like their coach had given them all pep pills, I started rooting for Reading. Stupid penalties is what killed Readings chances, plus they started to wear out after running full bore when they came out after half-time.
posted by govtdrone at 07:40 AM on May 31, 2011
Wow, this brings back some memories. I spent a semester in Swansea in the fall of 2001 and went to several games. At that time, they were playing in a dilapidated stadium and struggling to stay in Division 3 (if memory serves). Can't believe they've worked their way up to the Premier League.
posted by split atom at 08:24 AM on May 31, 2011
"I spent a semester in Swansea in the fall of 2001 and went to several games. At that time, they were playing in a dilapidated stadium and struggling to stay in Division 3 (if memory serves)."
Yep - in the 2002 season they avoided relegation out of the Football League all together with a final day victory over Hull. Five years later Hull were in the Premier League and now Swansea have made it.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 10:03 AM on May 31, 2011
I agree with @govtdrone.
Good thing there are internationals Saturday and Gold Cup starts next week.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:14 PM on May 31, 2011
Iacky Da!
Two things stood out from the match:
- both sides would struggle for 17th place next season in the Premier League
- while the quality is admittedly lower, the game, full of excitement and desperation, showed why the Championship is often better to watch