The moment of truth

Amongst the many things we have always believed and wanted to believe, wouldn't it be nice for a while to honour up and face the moment of truth? There are simply things that we cannot change, like it or not.

To make it flow better, I will start with the sore truth, though it is like swallowing a complete fully-grown half-matured prickle pear. Tottenham Hotspur are finished. They are not good enough.

Arsenal are back with a bang. This, I was told and deliberately refused to heed. The Gunners tried to convince me that they would be back.

This is as painful as typing that Manchester United are the real deal. It does not matter how they play and who the referee is, they lead the English Premier League. I am not counting out Manchester City out yet, but, why in the world are United on top?

I would have been convinced to say Liverpool are back, but there is so much negativity about the reds. The Suarez stories of racism and their failure to send a 'get well soon' message to Fabrice Muamba on time, if ever the finally did, is one thing, but their blowing hot and cold with the chilling consistency needs mention. Exactly when you think they are back, they are gone.

One performance by their Captain Fantastic made them think they own the world and started the blasphemy that Steve Gerrard is the best ever at Anfield. Well enough and all are forgiven for thinking that since they had forgotten how to play Liverpool. Those who know the game, will tell you that you did not watch the 1980s squad to say that statement. It did not need Liverpool supporters to know John Barnes, Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, Jan Molby, John Aldridge and Bruce Grobelaar among others. Anyway, that's off topic.

Folks, like we have always said about how bad South African was, underlined by Orlando Pirates' loss to Angolan champions, we hereby bow and accept the Barclays Premier League is mediocre. I take a sip of water as I say this, as it does not go down well even with me.

The idea that La Liga is just a two horse race and that the EPL is the real deal, given that the 'minnows' account for the scalps of 'giants' once is a while, and that the race is always decided at the end, is over-rated. How many English teams remain in the Champions League? How many are in the Europa League? Only Chelsea are still in the Champions League.

The English champions are not even good enough for the semis of the European second tier Cup. By contrast, La Liga has two representatives in each and may win both. Real Madrid and Barcelona may even play the final. Valencia and Athletico Madrid may take the Europa.

La Liga boast of the World Player of the Year, and has consistently produced one over time. They have produced more European Champions.

And by the way, another hard one to take for many, Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time and Manchester City need Carlos Tevez.