LIverpool out of the title already?

I happened to be cruising the usual football sites when I stumbled upon a Soccernet article stating the Reds of Liverpool are pretty much out of the race for the Premier League title. 

Manchester United is strong, very strong, but are we to declare them champions already? Give it some time. Anything can happen, even if it may be slim. 

I'm glad Rafa Benitez feels the same way. 

Man City Killing Football?

The one thing I hate about football is gossip -- or insulting, complaining in the papers, etc. There seems to be a lot of strong opinions that get stressed at the wrong time in the wrong place. 

But I must comment on the latest comments from FC Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken. 

Now "killing" is a strong word to use, but I have to agree with the coach here. The millions and millions of dollars Manchester City has been pouring into the transfer market has been remarkable. The staggering depths of City's pockets cannot be matched by other squads. 

Every team has a right to win and to improve themselves, but this saturation of the market is terrible. You can call me naive, but I believe players feel a kinship with their city and fans, and this luring of atrocious salaries City has been offering is "killing" the spirit of football. 

I applaud Kaka for turning down City's record offer and staying at AC Milan.   

But that's my two cents, what do you think?  

U.S. team shines

I was very impressed with the United States' victory against Mexico Wednesday night in Columbus. I thought they played a tight game, not allowing the Mexican team to attack except only a handful -- if that -- of times.

This loss puts Mexico's boss' status as head coach up in the air, but the big story was that the U.S. played a solid game. I like them to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but how they will do is still a mystery to me.

The loss to Ghana still hurts, a loss that kept the red, white and blue out of the knockout stages in the 2006 World Cup, but I have more confidence in this team.

What do you think?

In case you missed it, here are the highlights from the big win, but pardon my Spanish, I can't translate the video for you.

Chelsea sack Scolari

Wow. Well Chelsea was sliding in the standings just a little bit, but this was intense. I can't believe after only a couple months heading one of the most talented squads in Europe, Luiz Felipe Scolari was fired.

Well in his place comes Guus Hiddink. He will look to right a sinking ship -- meaning he will have to bring home at least one trophy from the Champions League or league title races. Hiddink seems prepared to take on the job, even though Chelsea has been sliding and sliding fast.

But now everyone has a say in the matter. Nickolas Anelka believes he played with Drogba, things would have been better. Robinho, the head case but overall superstar for Manchester City, said he it was wrong for Chelsea to rid itself of Scolari. It's ironic that he would say something, especially after the saga in the summer transfer window that landed him at Manchester City.

But whatever happens to Chelsea, I hope they have a little more patientce with Hiddink. Scolari barely had enough time to get comfortable, and now he is gone. Hopefully Hiddink will have time to implement his style of play.

What do you all think?

Weekend Roundup

Well Manchester United staked their claim to the top spot yet again by topping West Ham. The ageless Ryan Giggs stole the show, scoring a late goal to help United go back to their familiar stomping grounds -- first place.

Aston Villa continues to thrive. I really thought they would fall under the pressure of sustaining a top-4 spot, but they haven't, and they clearly showed that by beating Blackburn. I guess Gareth Barry is happy this never happened after all.

The big surprise of the weekend was Chelsea drawing Hull City. Hull has been my favorite team to watch this year. To have 29 points and to be oh so close to the top half really speaks to their determination. Hopefully they can find a new artist soon.

And Arsenal, well was Arsenal lately, as the Gunners drew even with Tottenham. I can't even express my distaste for my favorite team right now, and will have to dedicate post to the sagging Gunners later.

What did you think of the weekend?

Becks to Milan a good thing

I know a lot of people are upset about the possibility -- you know it's going to happen though -- of David Beckham leaving the L.A. Galaxy and permanently joining AC Milan, a squad he is on loan to.

While people here in the States will decry his departure, bemoan his broken promise to revive soccer in America and cite him as a crude businessman who cares only of money, I say to those whining please shut up.

I applaud Beckham for even trying to play in the United States. I mean, if you were one of the biggest icons in sports, and you had your chance of playing in a stadium named after Home Depot, or the legendary San Siro in Milan, what would you pick?

Home Depot:

San Siro:

Anyway, I just can't fault Becks for what he wants to do. Your thoughts?

Transfer deadline roundup

Well there was a couple of minor moves that happened throughout the transfer deadline on Monday, but the two players that stole the show were Robbie Keane and Andrei Arshavin.

Keane left Liverpool after a quick cup of coffee that cost the Reds 19 million pounds in the summer. He struggled in his time there, but I'm sure Tottenham will be happy to have their old reliable striker back on the pitch. I can bet the fans missed this:



As for my Gunners, the saga over Arshavin is finally over, and he is reported to be suiting up for Arsenal action this weekend. It was a record signing for Arsenal, but one I feel they had to make. I can sleep a little easier now, but the road only gets tougher, and Im sure the new signee can't help players heal faster. But he sure is happy to be at the Emirates, just look at that smile.

But overall it was an exciting day watching these two world-class players join new sides.

I think Arsenal will really improve with the Arshavin addition, but what January signing do you think will have the most impact?

Three points gone ... again

Well the Premier League had another fantastic weekend -- as usual. But my dear Gunners saw another potential 3 points escape their grasp as they drew West Ham, 0-0. What has happened to North London? Where are the crisp passes that I have always been able to rely on? Where has the "beautiful" in "beautiful game" gone? Arsenal has been in a little bit of trouble since the start of the season, and this draw has me a little more worried.

The Gunners need a shot in the arm, and they need one fast. After their lackluster draw over the weekend, they currently sit at 5th place in the table with 43 points. Aston Villa is in 4th with 48. Now the team is saying the right things, such as Gael Clichy stating he isn't thinking about Aston Villa, and Arsene Wenger saying Arsenal doesn't need a savior, which I agree with.

While a savior isn't needed, is some type of help on the way? Arsenal has been linked with Russian star Andrei Arshavin, but with the transfer deadline looming, will Wenger dole out enough cash to sign the phenom?

While adding Arshavin will help, he alone won't fix this team. Emmanuel Adebayor looks nothing like his 30-goal self from last year, and the defense has been leaky from the start.

I know injuries have played a part in the Emirates becoming an all too familiar site to draws and upsets, but signing Arshavin will help turn some of those matches into wins. He will add pace to the midfield that is sorely missing Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott.

So hopefully as I blog about the transfer deadline I will be able to write -- happily write -- that Arsenal has added Arshavin.

But until then, and even after that, all I can do is hold my breath and wait until the old days return.