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Refers to a big match in Europe between two teams from Britain. Classically this would be between one of the Old Firm Scottish giants (Celtic and Rangers) against a traditional big team from England (Liverpool and Manchester United), but it can refer to teams from the same country playing each other in European competition too. There’s familiarity, a big atmosphere from both sets of fans, and even greater bragging rights.
In the first season of the rebranded Champions League in 1992/93, English Champions Leeds United faced Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers. Rangers won the second round match 4-2 on aggregate.
A popular sporting British idiom, it describes a match that is dramatically different in both halves. One team dominates the first half and takes an unassailable lead. After the half time break the opposition fight back and control the second half.
The ultimate game of two halves came in the Premier League at St James’ Park in 2011. Arsenal took a 4-0 lead at half time only for Newcastle to score 4 goals of their own in the second half. Cheick Tioté with the dramatic equaliser to make it 4-4 in the 87th minute!
Said by commentators about 10,000 times during matches on the last day of the season. When every team is playing at the same time and the goals are flying in, we're told the table 'As it stands' every time a goal goes in somewhere and the title, promotion, European or playoff places, and relegation matters change multiple times. Drama!
With just seconds to go in the Manchester City v QPR match at the end of the 2011-2012 season the commentators let us know that "As it stands, Manchester United are Champions". Then came the iconic "Aguerooooo!" moment as City snatched the league title with the last kick of the season.
When a one-sided match ends in an exceptionally high and unexpected score it is often referred to as resembling the runs scored in a cricket match.
The Tottenham 9-1 Wigan match in 2009 was more like a cricket score than a football result.
A phrase typically used to describe teams who have nothing to play for in the last few matches of the season. They are already thinking of their summer holidays, and are mentally on the beach. Mid table, safe from relegation and can't compete for the title or European places. Teams on the beach may lose some intensity, with players going through the motions and thinking of their summer holidays.
Another mid table finish on the cards for Fulham this season. The players will be on the beach for the last few games.