Nerves of steel, and a lack thereof …

Before the main event, just a quick mention on last night’s epic struggle for the last golf Major of the year. Sergio Garcia, in Spain’s golden year of sport, looked set to claim his first big prize, but that nerveless Dubliner that is Padraig Harrington obviously didn’t read the script. Thrice, he drenched in long putts to turn up the heat on the Spaniard.

Garcia folded, like an underdone tortilla. It was sad, really, for he looked ready to take his place among the big boys — but Harrington seems to have mastered the late Sunday charge. He did it to Garcia last year in the British Open, and yesterday’s duel was even more glorious. Sport, regardless of the discipline, is compelling when there is a ferocious duel between two well-matched rivals, and what a treat the two Europeans served up. Not to forget Ben Curtis, who was in contention right to the last but was largely forgotten as the battle ahead ensued. So, Tiger-less golf is still entertaining; and that will come as a relief to organisers worldwide.

Which brings us to the real point of this article. The season is finally upon us, and after a European summer of much speculation, I for one can hardly wait. The English Premier League title race looks set to be just as competitive as last season’s, with the big four all primed for a titanic struggle.

Intriguingly, only Chelsea have made any significant additions to their super-squad (with growing speculation that Kaka may yet arrive to be the jewel in Roman’s crown!). Quite how Luiz Felipe Scolari will juggle so many talented egos will be fun to watch in itself.

United, the champions — again — have been very quiet, but yesterday’s Community Shield kick-about proved one thing. United are rather toothless without their top two attackers, in particular the mercurial Ronaldo. Which explains why Fergie was adamant in keeping him, regardless of the inflated bidding price from the Bernabeu.

The annual “this is our year” song has emanated from the Kop, but I have been puzzled by Rafa Benitez in the off-season. Robbie Keane looks a good buy, fair enough, but Gareth Barry?! The fuss that Liverpool have created for a decent player from an average team is mind boggling. Barry is a good player, end of story. Certainly no better than Xabi Alonso, one of the best passers in the game. Barry’s pursuit seems to have been initiated by Steven Gerrard, on the back of a few cute interplays with Barry in meaningless friendlies against the likes of Trinidad and Tobago.

A world-beater he is not, and I have found it rather amusing how Martin O’Neill has dug in his heels on what we all know is a ridiculous price tag. But then again, if Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves cost much the same, why not Barry? After all, they are all English, one-dimensional and over-hyped.

Arsenal, with their limited budget and tight wage structure, have to hope for a relatively injury-free season, because Wenger insists on his “buy for the future” campaign.

I foresee both Arsenal and Liverpool doing what they did last season; start like a house on fire, before their true depth betrays them after Christmas.

It should be a fascinating title duel, but my money is on the boys at the Bridge or the tyrant at Old Trafford.