Cesc Fabregas = too good

Despite the draw this weekend, I was not disappointed by the Liverpool/Arsenal game. Both teams had something to prove this Sunday and it was apparent that some top-flight football...er, soccer... was in full effect. Gerrard was playing like a man on fire and I felt like Liverpool had come to terms with their previous mid-field and defensive shortcomings of late with inspired appearances by Alonso, Carragher, and Mascherano. The formation was unique to LFC and it was obvious that Benitez wanted to try out some more aggressive attacking football. The rub, however, was the high amount of injury in the game, four to be exact. The substitution of the injured Alonso for the defender Arbeloa was ultimately a poor decision. He lost possession more times than he should have and ultimately played as if he was out of position. Which he was. I was pseudo-pissed, expecting the last substitution to be Ryan Babel.

Liverpool remained the better side for most of the game. It seemed Arsenal was revitalized by the addition of Theo Walcott and the persistence of Kolo Toure. Although, at the end of the day it all came down to Cesc Fabregas' performance. He has been stellar this season as the leader of Arsenals 'new school'. All and all a great game.
But Fernando Torres is hurt, and that royally sucks for LFC. At least they still have a game in hand, even though they seem to have dethroned Fulham's reign as 'draw-specialists'. This has been a close season so far. What the hell? I thought Arsenal would be struggling to stay up and Liverpool would be unbeaten by now... so it goes.

New Season, New City, New State, New Coast

I have to admit, it has been quite a while since the last post. Much has changed and adjusting is more difficult that one might realize. After much deliberation, I have decided to fully dedicate this site to football randomness and try to catch on, and at least cover, the latter part of the beginning EPL/European season. Many apologies to the loyal drogbacites.

Speaking of the new season, I have a few quick observations that, seem to me at least, to be the most glaring. Firstly WTF Arsenal. Who knew that the exit of Mr. Henry would produce such a dominate team... who else besides your's truly. Now that Hleb, Fabregas, and even Walcott have the go ahead to run amuck in true classic 'gunners' fashion, the team seems more solidified and prolific in front of the goal than ever. The ole' kick the long ball to Henry routine was, in fact, quite stale. And now, luckily, he is sucking it up for Barca; as exemplified by the stalemate to Rangers over the past week.

I should also include a smaller WTF to Scottish football, which has started to establish itself in the champions league and the Euro. Congratulations! See Celticjack for some more Celtic FC nonsense, (even though their best players are from other countries far away from Scotland specifically Japan)

A second observation is one that I have reserved for Liverpool. As a fan, I am disappointed.
I am not disappointed in the ANY of the new transfers, which is a pretty shocking statement for one to make after a summer of immense spending. Torres is, simply put, f-ing awesome. I have no complaints about the seemingly tireless work-rates of Kuyt, Voronin, Babel, or Benayoun. All of the new transfers have blended in nicely to this upgraded Liverpool side which all but exploded at the beginning of the season. But come on Benitez! The rotation policy is preventing any player from establishing a groove. Use Torres as much as possible! My main complaint is with the veterans in the side. There have just been too many lackluster Gerrard/Alonso/Carragher performances, it has been aggravating. Saying so seems like sacrilege, but come on. Hopefully this will be remedied before Arsenal this weekend. This is their first test all season and they are only in 4th place. Boooooo. Stayed tuned for the dramatic result of the Arsenal game.

Furthermore: haha cheslea.... :( Jol... wtf city