That's On Point: The Web Site

The key to writing in some sort of a journalistic fashion is *not* to write about yourself. That is, unless you want to write for Bill "Sportie" Simmons, Grantlandia. Interjecting personal opinions, sure, but making yourself the focus of something where it's me, me, MEEEEEEEEE gets grating. Gay Talese's, "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," it is not.

Sorry folks, but have to interject a little me-ism in this Monday English Premier League wrap since, well, my humble little abode got smacked by Hurricane Irene knocking out the power to my house. More importantly the Internet. Sure I had my iPhone but the indignity of using the Edge Network was too much to bear.

So in place of my usual ramblings, a couple scattered thoughts.

* Listened to Arsenal/Manchester United on SiriusXM's satellite service with the game called by two-roundly pro-United guys, which made for an interesting experience.

* It's kind of remarkable that United is playing, through three Premier League games, with the free-flowing pomp it showed squishing MLS franchises over the summer -- build up some confidence vs. the loose, drunk, sorority sluts and then bring the A-game back across the pond and bag models and lady singers.

* Poor SAF, loses Danny Welbeck and *only* has Chicharito to bring in. Sucks to Manchester United, doesn't it?

* Oh Arsenal. Oh Arsene.

* 8-2 is alarming, but is an 0-1-2 start all that crazy for the Gunners? Especially with Liverpool and Manchester United two of Arsenal's first two opponents?

* That said, Monsieur Wenger, you're wearing no clothes ... again. (Yes, eight key players missing is a valid excuse, but not when injuries ruin your squad year-after-year.)

* And not to repeat myself, the Arsenal issue this year -- read last week's post -- is going to be offense cohesion. Really loving my Robin van Persie pick to win the Golden Boot. Surprised Opta hasn't hired me yet.

* Not going to go crazy over Manchester City thumping Spurs 5-1, even with Edin Dzeko's four-goal explosion. Wrote a bunch about the new-look City last week, though mainly on Kun Aguero. What's worth noting is that Aguero worked in tandem with Diego Forlan at Atletico Madrid, whil Dzeko scored 26 and 22 goals paired alongside Grafite at Wolfsburg. You figure with the talent at Roberto Mancini's disposal, City will make due.

* Dzeko, Aguero, David Silva and now Samir Nasri? That'll do pig, that'll do.

* Carlito who? Perhaps he and Kaka can form some sort of support group for displaced multi-millionaires.

* Though, throughout his time in all our lives he's had his fair share of being an asshole moments, a moment of pause of Didier Drogba and his freak, scary collision with Norwich keeper John Ruddy, which knocked him out for over 30 minutes. If I were a bigger prick I'd say this was karma for his infamous tactic of knocking balls down to himself with his extended arm.

* Chelsea, through three games, hasn't looked great under Andre Villas-Boas. Specifically the Blues haven't looked like world beaters. The difference between Chelsea and Arsenal, at least on the surface is one team has veterans who know how to win, the other doesn't. Odd, isn't it, that Ramires looks like a new player under Villas-Boas, while his former Benefica teammate -- David Luiz remains pinned to the bench.

* Here is the requisite spot to mention Juan Mata, wearing the No. 10, scoring on his debut. I'll be more impressive if he's able to maintain that assuredly tediously manicured 3/4 length neck beard throughout an entire year in England.

* Considering my fantasy football draft was Friday night and into Saturday morning, glad I didn't wake up at 7 a.m. for Wolves/Aston Villa. Again, god bless his gentle heart, as Ian Darke felt the need to tweet and apology once again.

* Luis Saurez is easily the most fun player to watch in the Prem at the moment. He seems to be from that Clint Dempsey school where every touch he's dreaming about scoring the golazo to end all golazos. If he were a little more clinical, instead of trying for the spectacular, he could have had a hat trick vs. Bolton Saturday.

* Offensively Kenny Dalglish fielded his best-looking unit in the 4-3-3: Henderson, Adam and Lucas behind Downing, Suarez and Kuyt. Finding a way to get the best from Andy Carroll -- the transatlantic version of JD Drew? -- and working in Steven Gerrard are problems. Good problems. Perhaps Gerrard can reinvent himself as a libero-like center back. ... Nah.

* Sunderland and Fulham each only have one goal scored in three matches. Sunderland's via an opening-day Seb Larsson golazo and Fulham a late consolation Sunday vs. Newcastle from Dempsey.

* As for Newcastle, two wins, a draw and one goal allowed? Preseason I was slightly bullish on the Magpies, but this roster remains very ordinary and rapidly becoming even more French-looking than Arsenal.

* I'll admit it, never heard of Ryan Shotton -- Stoke's game-winner vs. West Brom Sunday. (West Brom three games, three loses ... zero face rubs from Roy Hodgson. What gives?)

* Hey Everton, three points are three points. Enjoy.

Labels: Arsenal, arsene wenger, English Premier League, EPL, manchester city, manchester United, Soccer