Sunday, November 10, 2013

Arsenal 2013-2014: The Lows, the Highs and the Trophy - Part 2 - November - December 2013

Saturday, November 2, 2013 1:30PM EST Arsenal vs. Liverpool 

There's a lot of hype surrounding this one as Arsenal and Liverpool are currently 1 and 3 in the table. There were plenty of nerves for Arsenal fans pre-match but there was also plenty of belief in the current league leaders.






What a game. Despite the negative pundits and Liverpool ass kissers predicting Liverpool's Daniel Sturidge and Luis Suarez to be too much for Arsenal to handle, Arsenal put on a great display and easily dispatched Liverpool 2-0. It was another solid team effort with Mikel Arteta proving to be a rock, Santi Cazorla dominating the midfield play and Olivier Giroud running his socks off. Cazorla got the first goal in the 19th minute after his header bounced back off the bar and he confidently drove the rebound in to the back of the net. Ramsey scored a screamer in the second half and it was pretty much done and dusted. The defensive performance of the entire team was so solid that it actually took the spot light off of Arsenal's offensive play. Top of the table with a 5 point lead and the doubters saying Arsenal have only played "easy" clubs are suddenly quiet. As an added bonus, Chelsea and their egotistical manager were outplayed away to Newcastle and were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. Next up Borussia Dortmund in midweek, followed by a visit to the home of Judas and 8th place Manchester United.









Wednesday, November 5, 2013 2:45PM EST Arsenal at Borussia Dortmund Champions League Match Day 4


When articles appear with headlines such as this one below, it's easy to see why Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is gaining admirers throughout football. While it's great to see Wenger and Arsenal getting such high praise, it's hard not to be cynical and think that Klopp is really trying to get inside the head of the club prior to the teams' meeting tonight in Germany.

Arsenal are better to watch than Barcelona and Arsene should be SIR Wenger, claims Jurgen Klopp 

With Napoli, Dortmund and Arsenal all even on six points after three matches, tonight's game takes on MAJOR significance. 

Wow....what an amazing night for Arsenal...with almost everyone predicting Dortmund to easily defeat Arsenal, the Gunners silenced their critics with an impressive 0-1 victory. Once again the team's defensive performance was excellent and Arsenal kept Dortmund at bay throughout the match. 

In what's becoming a common theme, Ozil to Giroud to Ramsey, produced the game's only goal in the 62nd minute. Ozil's pass went to Giroud who expertly headed the ball in to the path of the oncoming Ramsey who slotted home. Ramsey is having a season to remember and is rewarding Arsene Wenger for never losing faith in the player.

Of course Arsenal haters that predicted a drubbing at the hands of Dortmund still won't give the club credit. Before the match the haters lauded Dortmund as world beaters. After the match, the haters claimed Arsenal were lucky and Dortmund were just ordinary.

Results are what eventually will shut these folks up...prior to the Liverpool match last weekend the negative slant was that Arsenal hadn't beaten anyone of substance. To date, Arsenal have defeated the alleged title contenders Tottenham, Liverpool, Napoli and Dortmund. Next up is a trip to the home of Judas and the gold medalist in diving Ashley Young. #COYG














Sunday, November 10, 2013 11AM EST Arsenal at Manchester United

For the first time in a long while Arsenal head to Old Trafford with a better record and, even more importantly, a real belief that they are the better side. Aside from the usual rivalry, a win by Arsenal would send a major message to the league and leave the Fergie-less United 11 points behind the league leaders Arsenal. Even better, it would be a big F-U to Judas van Purse Strings who left Arsenal in an acrimonious fashion as he didn't like "the direction" the club were going in. Right now that direction is to the top of the table while United are sitting eighth.





A little boy named Judas scores for his 7th place club

It's amazing how one game can ruin your entire weekend and put you in the most foul mood. Normally a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United wouldn't be seen as the worst thing in the world, but this was different. United didn't beat Arsenal, Arsenal beat Arsenal. The Arsenal on display today were not the teams that I've been watching for the past 2 months. The passing was awful and the team looked like they were trying not to lose rather than win.

 Worst of all, the disgraceful Robin van Purse Strings is credited with the only goal on a header from a corner. Seeing that d-bag celebrating like a lunatic made me want to get on a plane to Manchester and punch the bastard in the face.

 What's most upsetting is that Arsenal are definitely the better team. For whatever reason they just didn't show it today. After defeating Borussia Dortmund on the road this week, the team should have come out with nothing but confidence and wiped the floor with United. Instead, it looked like they let the situation intimidate them. If we had lost 1-0 with a real Arsenal performance I could accept it more easily. Instead, we pretty much gave them the game. I hope Wenger tears in to the team.

 In the end, Spuds lost, Citeh lost and Chelsea gained just one (undeserved point). Liverpool regained the three points we gained over them last week and sadly the "big" winners of the weekend are the Mancs. Regardless, Arsenal are still top of the league with a two point gap on Liverpool and three points on the club's next opponent Southampton.




Saturday, November 23, 2013 10AM EST Arsenal vs. Southampton

Coming off the international break it's time to get back to the business of the EPL and staying atop the standings. Luckily there were no serious injuries picked up by Arsenal players during the two weeks of international play and Theo Walcott is finally back after two months. Flamini is set to miss this match due to having received five yellow cards and word is that Lukas Podolski and the Ox are getting closer to returning after injury.

 Southampton come in to this fixture in third place and have definitely raised some eyebrows across the league. The Saints have beaten Liverpool at Anfield and drawn with Manchester United at Old Trafford so this match was in now way a sure thing for Arsenal. In fact, if Southampton was to win the match, they would draw level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table.






Arsenal's 1-0 lead was gifted by a hysterical goalkeeping howler courtesy of Artur Boruc. Credit does have to go to Olivier Giroud, however, for staying with the play and perhaps causing Boruc to have a momentary lapse of judgement. Giroud is truly proving his worth to the club offensively and by hustling his ass off on set plays and defense as well.






Despite only having a one goal lead throughout the bulk of the match the nerves that used to accompany a slim Arsenal advantage were not really there. In fact, the confidence of those one nil to the Arsenal days of old is starting to return. 

 Southampton had some opportunities, but Arsenal's defense held strong and Sczesny was in control throughout. An 86th minute penalty for a tug on Per Mertesacker in the box, allowed Giroud to step to the penalty spot and seal a 2-0 win for the home team.






Adding to the great feeling that comes following an Arsenal victory was seeing Manchester United blow a one goal advantage over Cardiff in stoppage time and seeing Spuds get humiliated 6-0 away to Manchester City. United dropped two points, Tottenham were embarrassed and the countdown to St. Totteringham's Day 2014 picks up.

 Of course the Merseyside derby ended in a 2-2 draw which meant two dropped points for both Everton and Liverpool. If only Chelsea had lost it would have been complete. Of course a City win is not something to cheer about, but when it comes at the expense of Tottenham, it's worth it.



Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Arsenal vs. Marseille Champions League Match Day 2:45PM EST 

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Play continues in the "Group of Death" with Arsenal hosting Marseille and Napoli traveling to Dortmund. A Napoli victory and an Arsenal win would seal passage on to the next round of the tournament for both clubs.
With local TV totally ignoring the Arsenal match for crappy Chelsea, a visit to The Blind Pig was most definitely on the menu.



Arsenal were in command from the opening minute until the last. In fact, Jack Wilshere literally scored within the first minute of play and Marseille never looked like a threat. Arsenal had 67% of the possession and passed the ball around with ease throughout most of the match. Even when Mesut Ozil missed a penalty late in the first half, there was never any doubt that Arsenal would get the victory.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Wilshere added a second in the 65th minute and that was that. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Napoli lost to Dortmund so even with 12 points and sitting atop their group, the Gunners have not yet qualified for the next round of the tournament. It will all come down to Match Day 6 when Arsenal travel to Naples and Dortmund head to Marseille. if Arsenal get at least a draw in Italy, they will win the group regardless of the other match. Even if they lose in Naples, they can still progress. As long as Arsenal lose by less than three goals they will move on.
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
To show how unjust the group stages can be, Chelsea lost both legs of their matches with Basel, yet they have secured their place in the next round. After defeating Dortmund in Germany and Napoli at home, it would be a crime if Arsenal didn't make it through to the next round.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)



Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Saturday, November 30, 2013 Arsenal at Cardiff City 10AM EST

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

No matter what happens this weekend, Arsenal are guaranteed to head in to December at the top of the table. That being said, Cardiff are coming off of a positive result against Manchester United having scored an equalizer in stoppage time. Although new to the EPL, Arsenal will definitely not take Cardiff City lightly.





(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
What a game. It was an amazing and memorable homecoming for former Cardiff City youth player Aaron Ramsey. He scored two incredible goals and showed total class by not celebrating in front of the Cardiff crowd. His skill and maturity were both impressive and the long term faith that Arsene Wenger showed in Ramsey, when others were ridiculing the player, is truly paying off.

 Past overzealous and disrespectful goal celebrations such as those orchestrated by Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie were made to look even more pathetic when compared to the restraint shown by Ramsey.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Mesut Ozil was the provider for a first half header from Ramsey as well as that all important second goal scored by Mathieu Flamini. Walcott then played provider for Ramsey's second in stoppage time.

 The Cardiff fans showed their own respect towards their former player with the crowd applauding their native son.

 Special props need to be sent out to the often maligned and greatly improved Wojciech Szczesny who saved Arsenal with some great goalkeeping.

 Adding to the great Arsenal result was Liverpool's surprise loss away to Hull and Spuds and Manure's 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. Chel$ki, Citeh and Everton were winners and kept pace with the Gunners.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)


(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)


(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Wednesday,  December 4, 2013 2:45PM EST Arsenal vs. Hull



As Christmas approaches the fixture schedule begins to get crowded. This week's midweek matches are proof of that. Hull pulled off an impressive victory last time out versus Liverpool so Arsenal will not be taking the EPL newbies lightly. Arsene Wenger made five changes to Arsenal's starting 11 and the biggest surprise was the inclusion of Niklas Bendtner to lead the Arsenal line. A lot of folks on Twitter were not too pleased by this and were questioning Wenger's decision. I personally think it was a good idea to rest some of the core players and give squad members such as Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal a run out. Plus, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Jack Wilshere on the bench, Wenger had the A team ready to come on if needed. With six matches coming up before the end of the month, Wenger is doing the right thing.







Arsenal impressed once again. After all the mocking of Bendtner, it was great to see the maligned player score within the first two minutes. Jenkinson sent in a perfect cross and Bendtner headed home.

 Arsenal dominated the play and were relentlessly passing the ball around the Hull players. The only negative, was that with all their possession the Gunners were unable to add to their early lead. Regardless, there was never any feeling that Arsenal were going to "bottle" this match.

 The second half began the way the first half did and this time it was Mesut Ozil from Aaron Ramsey within two minutes of the restart. From there, Arsenal pretty much passed the ball around until the final whistle was blown. The 2-0 scoreline flattered Hull. Arsenal had 67% of the possession, 20 shots to Hull's 7 and 11 corners to just one for Hull.

 Adding to the excitement of the day was the results from Old Trafford where David Moyes' old team, Everton, came in and beat his new team, Manchester United 0-1. It's nice to see Arsenal receiving plaudits while Manchester United are the subject of all the crisis talk. It's about time things turned around.







Sunday, December 8, 2013 11AM EST Arsenal vs. Everton

 Arsenal head in to this game with a great opportunity to put some distance between themselves and a number of clubs behind them. With Man United and Chelsea both suffering defeats and Man City drawing with Southampton, the opportunity is there for the taking.

 Everton secured a historic win in midweek as they won at Old Trafford for the first time in 21 years. The club are in good form and have lost just one match so far this season. It'll be a tough game, but one that Arsenal should win.





Everton were worthy competitors for this match and frustrated Arsenal throughout. Mesut Ozil broke the deadlock with a goal in the 80th minute only to see Everton equalize four minutes later. A draw at home will be looked at as two dropped points despite being against a strong Everton team.





Arsenal 2013-2014: The Lows, the Highs and the Trophy - Part 3 - December 2013 - March 2014
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Arsenal Defeat Borussia Dortmund on the Road - Aaron Ramsey Continues to Roll

Wednesday, November 5, 2013 2:45PM EST Arsenal at Borussia Dortmund Champions League Match Day 4


When articles appear with headlines such as this one below, it's easy to see why Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is gaining admirers throughout football. While it's great to see Wenger and Arsenal getting such high praise, it's hard not to be cynical and think that Klopp is really trying to get inside the head of the club prior to the teams' meeting tonight in Germany.

Arsenal are better to watch than Barcelona and Arsene should be SIR Wenger, claims Jurgen Klopp 

With Napoli, Dortmund and Arsenal all even on six points after three matches, tonight's game takes on MAJOR significance. 

Wow....what an amazing night for Arsenal...with almost everyone predicting Dortmund to easily defeat Arsenal, the Gunners silenced their critics with an impressive 0-1 victory. Once again the team's defensive performance was excellent and Arsenal kept Dortmund at bay throughout the match. 

In what's becoming a common theme, Ozil to Giroud to Ramsey, produced the game's only goal in the 62nd minute. Ozil's pass went to Giroud who expertly headed the ball in to the path of the oncoming Ramsey who slotted home. Ramsey is having a season to remember and is rewarding Arsene Wenger for never losing faith in the player.


Of course Arsenal haters that predicted a drubbing at the hands of Dortmund still won't give the club credit. Before the match the haters lauded Dortmund as world beaters. After the match, the haters claimed Arsenal were lucky and Dortmund were just ordinary.


Results are what eventually will shut these folks up...prior to the Liverpool match last weekend the negative slant was that Arsenal hadn't beaten anyone of substance. To date, Arsenal have defeated the alleged title contenders Tottenham, Liverpool, Napoli and Dortmund. Next up is a trip to the home of Judas and the gold medalist in diving Ashley Young. #COYG















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Saturday, November 2, 2013

Arsenal Build A Five Point Gap While Liverpool Owner John Henry is in Boston Celebrating With The Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox won the World Series this week (I prefer to call it the MLB Championship as 29 US teams and one Canadian team do not equal the world). As a Mets fan that has no love for the Yankees, it's always great to see the Yankees' biggest rivals steal all the headlines and be crowned champions. Not only did the Yankees not make the playoffs, the only thing that they have been involved with during the playoffs is the ongoing A-Rod steroids fiasco.


Right after the Red Sox victory some delusional Liverpool fans began popping up on Twitter confident that John Henry's Red Sox victory would result in a Liverpool win at the Emirates.
Well as fate would have it, the Red Sox victory meant that owner John Henry would not be at the Emirates for Liverpool's clash with Arsenal. In fact, the irony was that the Red Sox victory parade in Boston was broadcast live on the NBC affiliate which kept Liverpool fans in New England from watching the game.


Now on to the much hyped match pitting first place Arsenal versus third place Liverpool. There were plenty of nerves for Arsenal fans pre-match but there was also plenty of belief in the current league leaders.





What a game. Despite the negative pundits and Liverpool ass kissers predicting Liverpool's Daniel Sturidge and Luis Suarez would be too much for Arsenal to handle, Arsenal put on a great display and easily dispatched Liverpool 2-0. It was another solid team effort with Mikel Arteta proving to be a rock, Santi Cazorla dominating the midfield play and Olivier Giroud running his socks off. Cazorla got the first goal in the 19th minute after his header bounced back off the bar and he confidently drove the rebound in to the back of the net. Ramsey scored a screamer in the second half and it was pretty much done and dusted. The defensive performance of the entire team was so solid that it actually took the spot light off of Arsenal's offensive play. Top of the table with a 5 point lead and the doubters saying Arsenal have only played "easy" clubs are suddenly quiet.

As an added bonus, Chelsea and their egotistical manager were outplayed away to Newcastle and were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. Next up, away to Borussia Dortmund in midweek, followed by a visit to the home of Judas and 8th place Manchester United.








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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Arsenal Come Back From The International Break and Make a Big Statement



After a long international break, which saw England qualify for next summer's World Cup and Mexico cheering for the USA, it's back to EPL action. Luckily all Arsenal players came back from national team duty in good shape and it's time for the team to press on and continue to hold the top spot in the table.


Before leaving for the break, the Premier League handed out their awards for the month of September and the winners were Aaron Ramsey for Player of the Month and Arsene Wenger for Manager of the month. It's now official....the "crisis" has been averted.

Other news out of Arsenal is the addition of Kieran Gibbs to Twitter:
Plus, believe it or not, Stan Kroenke was cheered at this week's shareholder's meeting



Confidence is oozing out of every member of the Arsenal team as well as the fan base. The Emirates was rocking today as Arsenal easily dismantled Norwich  4-1. The only blemish on the match was that once again the Gunners were unable to keep a clean sheet.  The goals...they were all amazing. Wilshere opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Ozil scored his first league goal on a header in the 58th followed by an amazing Aaron Ramsey run through the Norwich defense which led to Ramsey's 9th goal of the season. Ozil got a second in the 88th as the result of some amazing team play.

Another first was watching Ozil and the returning Santi Cazorla playing together in the same midfield. With Cazorla back and the fine form of Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta and Rosicky, the Arsenal midfield is one of the best in Europe...you might even say Barcelona like. Thanks once again to Real Madrid for making one of the stupidest footballing decisions in years....or shall I say gracias!


Looking down from the top of the table, there's one noticeable absentee from the top 4. The Fergie-less Manchester United had another mediocre display at Old Trafford and drew 1-1 with Southampton who are themselves in the top 4. Hopefully Robin van Persie is watching the renaissance under Wenger in North London and rethinking the rash decision the little boy inside of him made! Borussia Dortmund is next, onward and upward! Up the Arsenal.






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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Super Sunday For Arsenal and the Mets and even the Red Bulls and Jets

It was a super Sunday in my sports world this weekend. In fact it was near perfect. The only blemishes on my perfect sports weekend were wins by Chelsea and Tottenham. But, who cares. Arsenal are top of the table, Manchester United and RVP were humiliated by the oil barons of Man City, the Mets won, the Red Bulls Won, the Jets won (yes it's true the Jets and Mets actually won on the same day!) Adding to the feel good factor is that the Yankees lost and their playoff hopes are almost all but gone.

Sunday, September 22, 2013 8:30AM EST Arsenal vs. Stoke

Things are looking good these days for Arsenal and the mood heading in to this match with the cavemen of Stoke was extremely positive. With Aaron Ramsey having a great start to the season, many Gooners were hoping that Ramsey would be able to have a bit of revenge at the expense of Ryan Shawcross and his cave mates. Despite the fact that Shawcross could have ended Ramsey's career with his horrific leg breaking tackle, Ramsey is still the object of hate from fans of the cavemen. Here are some pre-match tweets:




Well what do you know, Ramsey opened the scoring for Arsenal and after a bit of a let up, the Gunners walked away with a 3-1 victory. Despite not playing at their best, Arsenal were comfortable winners. Mesut Ozil was the provider of three assists from set pieces resulting in Ramsey's goal as well as headers from defenders Mertesacker and Sagna.

While he did not play, Mikel Arteta was part of the bench for the match and it looks as if he's almost back from injury.

Once Cazorla and Podolski are back in the fold, this Arsenal squad will be solid up front and in midfield. Questions still remain about the Gunners' defense but hopefully these shortcomings will be addressed in January and the team's solid midfield will help ease the pressure on the defense.



With Liverpool's loss to Southampton, Arsenal are now at the top of the EPL table ahead of Spuds on goal differential. As one Gooner on Twitter put it, even when Tottenham get off to a great start, they are still looking up at Arsenal.

Twitter was buzzing with happy Gooners and the immensely annoying Arsenal supporter and CNN mouthpiece, Piers  Morgan, rightly received a ton of abuse. For ages he had been shouting for Aaron Ramsey to be dumped and earlier this season he was blatantly demanding that Arsene Wenger be relieved of his duties.






Another highlight of this Super Sunday took place in the North of England. It seems that most fans of the EPL were enjoying Manchester United's embarrassing loss at the hands of Manchester City. With Judas van Persie on the bench due to injury, all he could do was watch on as his team were made to look like crap. Adding to the humor was the way RVP was dressed. To me it looked like he was wearing a Catholic School uniform. Perhaps that "little boy" he had been speaking of last season, really does live inside of him.


A month ago Arsenal were in "crisis" and now they are top of the table. I think that David Moyes and Manchester United can now take the "crisis club" tag and run with it.




While the Mets' season has pretty much been over since July, it was nice to see the youngsters and David Wright sweep the Phillies. The once arrogant and cocky Phillies, led by the big mouth Jimmy Rollins, now have the same identical record as the Mets, 71-84. All that's left to play for now is finishing the season above them.

On the positive side, the future is looking bright for the Mets with a slew of young players getting valuable Major League experience this season.

On the other side of town, it was wonderful to see the Yankees pretty much end their season with a whimper. On Mariano Rivera day, there was no fairy tale ending for Yankee fans. It was pretty funny to see the Yankees play like the Mets. With runners on second and third with no outs in the eighth, the Yankees somehow failed to score a run. Terrible base running was the cause and the Giants walked away 2-1 winners. It seems that the Evil Empire is finally crumbling.


The Red Bulls won at home and are now in first place in their division. Even the Jets won. Yes, you read that right, the Jets won. Granted they were playing the Buffalo Bills, but they all count. I have no dislike for the Giants, but for once it's nice to see the Jets doing better than Eli and the Giants. In fact, the Giants are 0-3 and got slaughtered by the Panthers today.


The stars don't often align like this in sports, so today is definitely a Super Sunday.


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Saturday, September 14, 2013

From Crisis to Top of the Table In Less Than a Month

Saturday, September 14, 2013 10AM EST Arsenal at Sunderland

After a long two week International break which saw the arrival of Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil to Arsenal it was finally time to get back to football. Photos of Ozil training with the rest of the Arsenal first team circulated and Ozil announced himself as a Gunner during a pre-match press conference.



Despite having to have the indignity of playing his first ever EPL match in Sunderland, Ozil made his impact felt immediately. Within 11 minutes Ozil set up Giroud for an exquisite goal and a 1-0 Arsenal lead. Ozil set up a number of other chances and despite being ill, just back from International break and not yet knowing his teammates, he made a real impact on the game.

Koscielny made another rash challenge which led to a Sunderland penalty kick at the start of the second half. At least this time he didn't see red.

Aaron Ramsey cleaned up the mess with two outstanding goals to give Arsenal the 1-3 victory.

It's early days, but three games after the media was declaring Arsenal's demise and crisis here's a look at the current EPL table:

From crisis to Top of the Table. Chelsea losing to Everton and Manchester City with an ugly scoreless draw at Stoke, weeks after a humiliating loss to newly promoted Cardiff added to the new found confidence of Arsenal and Arsenal fans. Add to that Manchester United only winning due to diving and phantom penalties and Arsenal's defeat of Spuds in the first North London Derby. A lot of the haters have gone quiet. It's looking good.




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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Put the 2013 Mets Out To Pasture....Ozil is a Gunner

Wheeler leaves with no run support
I knew the Mets were going nowhere this year even before the season began. But, I'm a Mets fan and there's always hope. As is always the case with the Mets there were many bad moments and tough losses.

This season, however, also proved that the future for the Mets looks bright. Young arms including Matt Harvey, Dan Wheeler, Noah Snydergaard and Jenrry Mejia along with prospects Travis d'Arnaud, Wilmer Flores and Juan Lagares got valuable Major League experience.

Unfortunately, the Mets were hit with the injury bug and have been without the face of the franchise, David Wright, for the past month. They then gave their only other power hitter, Marlon Byrd, a get out of jail free card by sending him to the contending Pittsburgh Pirates.

How did Dice-K end up on the Mets?
Offense was a problem when those guys were around. Now it's just a given that if a Mets pitcher gives up more than two runs in a game, it will be a loss. In the first 11 games of September, the Mets have scored three or fewer runs in seven of them. Through 145 games, the total games with three or fewer runs is 73. That's 50% of the time that the Mets don't give their pitchers run support.

Mercifully there are just 17 games left to watch the Mets pitchers pick up losses.

Speaking of Mets pitchers; I follow this team religiously and in the last few weeks have been shocked to see Dice K and then Aaron Harang make their "debut start" with the Mets seemingly out of the blue. How the hell these guys ended up on the Mets is beyond me. These pitchers were beasts in their prime. The fact that they're pitching mop up duty for the Mets in September only speaks to how far they've fallen.

_________________________________________________________________________


As for Arsenal, the Mesut Ozil era begins this Saturday. After his big money move from Real Madrid Ozil will make his debut against Sunderland. Why Real Madrid let a player of his caliber go at just the age of 24 is baffling. But that's their loss and our gain. Love his latest quotes:

Mesut Özil: I can inspire Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title again



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