Inside the BPL - with Joel Crosskill

EVER BEEN terrorised by an ex? The ex who's able to worm past your defences and inflict maximum damage? Do you know that dull bitter throb that comes when someone you once idolised turns around and breaks your heart?

If you do, then you must be a fan of the Barclays Premier League because, for pure unscripted drama, there's nothing quite like it!

Since the start of this season - the ex factor has been in full effect.

On August 12, Michael Forssell struck for Birmingham against former club Chelsea in their 3-2 loss.

First goal

On August 15, Heidar Helguson scored his very firstgoal for Bolton against his former employers, Fulham, in their 2-1 loss.

On August 16, T&T international Stern John waited until minute 90 to do the business for Sunderland in their 2-2 draw against his former club Birmingham City.

On August 2, there was a cruel twist of fate as former Fulham centre-back Zat Knight fell on his own sword - scoring an own goal for new club Aston Villa, or his fourth for Fulham (depends on how you look at it). Fulham lost 2-1.

August 26, Mark Viduka is the poster boy for the ex factor, practically forging a career out of making former teams pay. So it was no surprise when the big Aussie popped up in the box in the black and white stripes of Newcastle to do the dirty to Middlesbrough. That one ended 2-2.

And finally, on September 2, the praying mantis of Highbury invaded the Emirates - King Kanu, in his own gangly way, showed Arsenal exactly why the curse of the ex factor may not be a curse after all.

I don't think anyone at the Emirates begrudged Kanu his moment of glory or didn't reminisce on when he used to do that sort of thing as a Gunner. But, of course, the 'gooners' could afford to be generous - this time - winning 3-1 on the day.

Joel Crosskill is a producer, football analyst and commentator at SportsMax. Email Joel at jcrosskill@sportsmax.tv.