Jack McRae
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jackimmcrae.bsky.social
Jack McRae
@jackimmcrae.bsky.social
Mainly write about sport and Arsenal
jackimmcrae.com
This week I watched basketball. London Lions and Niners Chermitz entertained at the Copper Box arena, but it was far from a sell-out crowd.

The Lions are the capital’s only side and should be attracting far more support, even if it isn’t quite the NBA.
jackimmcrae.com/2026/01/14/t...
TWIW: Seats, not pockets, need to be filled first if British basketball is to explode
This week I watched basketball. A shudder rippled down my spine as I entered the Copper Box Arena in Stratford for the Eurocup game between London Lions and Niners Chemnitz. Seeing the kaleidoscope…
jackimmcrae.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Phallon Tullis-Joyce frustrates and shuts out #AWFC as ten-player Red Devils survive Jayde Riviere red card.

USWNT goalkeeper earned a valuable WSL point for United who were dominated by wasteful Gunners.

Match ratings here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Man Utd women's player ratings vs Arsenal: Phallon Tullis-Joyce shuts out the Gunners! Ten-player Red Devils survive Jayde Riviere red card as USWNT goalkeeper earns valuable WSL point | Goal.com UK
Manchester United women’s player ratings as goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is the hero as the Red Devils clung on to steal a 0-0 draw away at Arsenal in the first WSL game of the new year
www.goal.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:04 PM
This week I watched darts. Gian van Veen has grown from boy to man to reach the world championship final.

Few sports can have such transformative impact in such a short space of time as darts.

And GvV’s opponent Luke Littler knows that more than most.
jackimmcrae.com/2026/01/03/t...
TWIW: Van Veen grows from boy to man as darts continues to produce special moments and characters
This week I watched darts. Yet the story begins ten years ago, when an awe-struck 13-year-old boy from the small Dutch village of Poederoijen watched his sporting hero, a 45-year-old former pub lan…
jackimmcrae.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:01 PM
This week I watched Baller League, where the fun never stops. Even when it should.

After six hours of forced entertainment, shoddy football and countless adverts, the thousands of empty seats do little to suggest this is truly a 'new era of football'.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/12/20/t...
TWIW: Baller League, where the fun never stops. Even when it should.
This week I watched Baller League. At 10.30pm on a Monday night I am in a weird sporting purgatory. There are at most a couple hundred spectators left in the Copper Box Arena. The raucous music bla…
jackimmcrae.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Harry Kane rescues a point for Bayern Munich against bottom-of-the-table Mainz.

Lennart Karl impressed again, but Vincent Kompany's rotated side were almost made to rue missed chances in 2-2 draw as Daniel Batz had the game of his life in the Mainz net.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Late Harry Kane penalty bails out blundering Bayern Munich against bottom-of-the-table Mainz as 17-year-old sensation Lennart Karl shines again | Goal.com UK
Rock bottom Mainz were mightily close to shocking Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena before a late Harry Kane penalty rescued a fortunate point for the Bavarian giants. Vincent Kompany’s side were uni...
www.goal.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
This week I watched chess. It was strange to go to the Emirates and not watch #AFC, but the sport played in silence was captivating.

Not able to truly understand the moves of elite players in the London Chess Classic, watching their emotions became my fascination.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/12/04/t...
TWIW: Fascinating tension grips the Emirates at London Chess Classic
This week I watched chess. It is unusual to walk across the Ken Friar Bridge to a sporting event at the Emirates Stadium and not be among a sea of red, chanting in unison. On a blustery day in nort…
jackimmcrae.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz look to finally be clicking as Liverpool win 2-0 at West Ham.

Mohamed Salah was left on the bench and may struggle to regain his place as the Reds secure a vital victory.

Liverpool ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham: Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz FINALLY turn up as Reds stop the rot while Mohamed Salah stews from the bench | Goal.com UK
Mohamed Salah was left on the bench as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz helped Liverpool to a vital three points in Sunday's 2-0 win over West Ham
www.goal.com
November 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
This week I watched golf. The ANNIKA at Pelican is trying to be more than just an LPGA event & this year, invited the 461st best US junior and President Donald Trump's granddaughter to make her pro debut.

Unsurprisingly, Kai Trump was not good enough.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/18/t...
TWIW: Kai Trump’s debut sends women’s golf into the rough
President Donald Trump had claimed his granddaughter Kai was ‘really good’ at golf before she finished last in her LPGA debut. Photograph: Heute.at Creative Commons This week I watched …
jackimmcrae.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski leads Barcelona in cutting La Liga gap to Real Madrid to three points.

Blaugrana defence was shaky, but Marcus Rashford again impresses for #FCB as he continues to make the left-wing his own.

Barca ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Barcelona player ratings vs Celta Vigo: Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski leads Blaugrana in cutting La Liga gap to Real Madrid as chief-assister Marcus Rashford again impresses | Goal.com UK
Barcelona continued to play their role as La Liga’s entertainers as they beat Celta Vigo 4-2 to move within three points of leaders Real Madrid
www.goal.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Manchester City capitalised on Chelsea's draw with Arsenal to go top of the WSL after closely contested victory over Everton.

Miedema and Shaw were on target, but Yamashita's shot-stopping was key to visitors taking all three points.

City's ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Man City women's player ratings vs Everton: Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema on target while Ayaka Yamashita stands tall to secure top spot in WSL | Goal.com UK
Manchester City capitalised on Chelsea's draw with Arsenal on Saturday to go top of the Women's Super League after a closely contested 2-1 victory over Everton
www.goal.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Gianni Infantino continues to cosy up to “close friend” Donald Trump and self-interested politicians who care little for football.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fan @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social has been elected New York mayor and poses a challenge to the game’s ruling authority.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/08/p...
Procrastination to power: Zohran Mamdani offers refreshing political approach to sport
Arsenal fan Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons / Bingjiefu He On 19 October 2013, five days after his 22nd birthday, a student at Bowdoin College tweet…
jackimmcrae.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:06 PM
As part of a new series, I will be watching and writing about a new sport every fortnight.

This week I watched rugby. I saw England beat Australia 25-7 and wrote about how Henry Pollock adds a necessary youthful verve to England and the sport.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/04/h...
TWIW: Henry Pollock adds necessary youthful verve to England and rugby
As part of a new series for this blog, I will be watching and writing about a new sport every fortnight. This week I watched rugby. And you only need to be on the platform at Vauxhall Station for a…
jackimmcrae.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Eberechi Eze has shared that he was "prepared to go to Tottenham", before the Gunners dramatically hijacked the deal.

On Sunday, he plays against Crystal Palace for the first time since his move to #AFC, where his importance is already starting to shine.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
'I was prepared to go to Tottenham' - New Arsenal man Eberechi Eze opens up on Spurs snub after dramatic transfer U-turn | Goal.com UK
Arsenal's Eberechi Eze has shared that he was ready to sign for the Gunners' rivals Tottenham Hotspur before a call with Mikel Arteta sealed his move to the red side of north London. The former Crysta...
www.goal.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Wrote something short on the “new Jack Wilshere” taking charge of his first game of Luton Town on Saturday.

Everyone already has their own idea of who Wilshere is, or was.

Now, the former #AFC star has a chance to reinvent himself as a coach at #LTFC.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/10/16/t...
The first, the old and the new Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere spent most of his career at Arsenal and played alongside the current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons / joshjdss Who is this Jack Wilshere? A question many wou…
jackimmcrae.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Spain were absolutely perfect tonight in a 6-0 midfield masterclass against Turkey.

Hattrick hero Mikel Merino continued extravagent goalscoring form alongside #AFC teammate Martin Zubimendi and the wonderful Pedri.

My full match ratings for @goal here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Spain vs Turkey player ratings: Hat-trick hero Mikel Merino leads sensational La Roja to 6-0 victory as Lamine Yamal & Pedri also run riot in World Cup qualifying rout | Goal.com UK
Mikel Merino was the hat-trick hero as a mesmerising Spain toyed with and then tore apart a helpless Turkey in a rampant 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Konya.
www.goal.com
September 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Ahead of the return of the #PremierLeague tonight, I wrote this about Arsenal.

Three second-place finishes and #AFC fan hysteria had made me hesitant to get swept up by excitement.

But, as ever, I have succumbed to the horrible state of anguish: hope.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/08/15/s...
Second again, again, again… and again?
Pressure is on Mikel Arteta to deliver silverware this season. Photograph: WIkimedia Commons/Prime Video AU & NZ It is difficult to know how to feel about Arsenal. After being burned by three c…
jackimmcrae.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como 5-0 in Joan Gamper Trophy.

Yamal and Fermin score braces with Raphinha adding another as #FCB ease to victory.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Lamine Yamal is unstoppable but Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como in Joan Gamper Trophy | Goal.com UK
Fermin Lopez showcased why he can take the next step up and become a key player at Barcelona as he inspired the Blaugrana to a 5-0 victory over Como.
www.goal.com
August 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
For Boxing News, I met with Johnny Greaves to discuss his 100-fight career and new book.

The former journeyman talks about his battles with mental health, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Yet, there is hope in the incredibly open and friendly Greaves.
boxingnewsonline.net/former-journ...
Former Journeyman Johnny Greaves Talks Career, Depression And Overcoming His Demons
“When you wake up and the first thing on your mind is suicide, and before you go to bed, the last thing on your mind is suicide, it’s a problem,” Johnny
boxingnewsonline.net
July 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Three days before Perth Glory's final game, Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson asked Megan Wynne about her summer plans.

30 minutes into that game, Wynne injured her #ACL.

She talks to me about the injury, its mental challenges and her missed #WEURO2025 chance.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/06/30/p...
‘I planted my leg and it felt like it exploded’: Perth Glory and Wales’ Megan Wynne’s ACL Story
For my ACL Archives series, I speak to Welsh international forward Megan Wynne about injuring her ACL injury on her final game of the season for Perth Glory, missing the Euros and her road to recov…
jackimmcrae.com
June 30, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Tonight, Numan Hussain fights for the Southern Area title at York Hall.

For Boxing Scene, I spoke to him and his wife, fellow pro fighter Amy Andrew, about their careers, watching each other fight and being role models for women and the Bengali community.
www.boxingscene.com/articles/whe...
When a boxer marries another boxer: ‘We’re juggling chainsaws’
Husband-and-wife fighters Numan Hussain and Amy Andrew know that one mistake could prove costly to an already finite career
www.boxingscene.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Nuno Mendes the star of the show as Portugal win the #NationsLeague on penalties.

Ronaldo is the man for the big occasion and led the line impressively.

Spain dominated but Portugal showed resilience. Credit must go to Martinez.

Ratings for Goal here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Portugal player ratings vs Spain: Ultimate poacher Cristiano Ronaldo delivers again as outstanding Nuno Mendes pockets Lamine Yamal before Diogo Costa heroics seal thrilling Nations League final shoot...
After drawing 2-2 in normal time, Portugal were crowned Nations League champions for a second time after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties.
www.goal.com
June 8, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Unbelievable from the Arsenal! Super Stina. #COYG #AWFC 🔴⚪️
May 24, 2025 at 5:58 PM
In Lisbon tonight, #AWFC and #FCB play the #UWCLfinal.

In the last Lisbon final, star-studded Tyresö FF lost to Wolfsburg. A month later, they barely existed.

Speaking to its former players, this is the story of Tyresö FF: the forgotten fallen giant.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...
Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant
Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…
jackimmcrae.com
May 24, 2025 at 8:33 AM
‘I could not live with myself and be content if I quit’: @thornsfc.com & Nigeria's Nicole Payne’s #ACL story

Payne has injured her ACL twice, but remains positive - inspired by a World Cup dream, #NWSL success and her sister, Everton's Toni Payne.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/04/29/p...
‘I could not live with myself and be content if I quit’: Portland Thorns’ Nicole Payne’s ACL story
For the next article in the ACL Archives series, Nicole Payne speaks about her ACL injury. The Nigerian international is trying to remain positive, despite suffering the injury for the second time,…
jackimmcrae.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:26 PM
An absolutely brilliant game as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the #CopaDelRey.

Kounde's brilliant drive from distance in extra-time was the difference after an Mbappe-inspired second-half changed the game in #RMFC's favour.

#FCB match-ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...
Barcelona player ratings vs Real Madrid: Jules Kounde the unlikely hero! French star bags extra-time winner after Pedri and Lamine Yamal heroics as Hansi Flick's side win Copa del Rey | Goal.com UK
Jules Kounde went from villain to hero in a crazy Copa del Rey final as Barcelona stole away the crown in extra-time, beating Real Madrid 3-2.
www.goal.com
April 26, 2025 at 11:19 PM