Gunners Stumble As New Season Opens

It was a bad day for Mr. Wenger and his fans (Mirror.co.uk)

I'm not sure how Arsene Wenger imagined his club's opening fixture would go, but I'm sure this wasn't in the script.  The day's controversial calls favored visiting Aston Villa, and the Villains rode them to 1-3 win at the Emirates to give themselves a dream start for their EPL campaign.  American fans will be pleased to note that Brad Guzan had a stellar outing in the win.

It actually started brightly enough for the Gunners though, as for the first six minutes it looked like things were going to go swimmingly despite zero additions to the team. specifically their attack.  They did their usual pretty passing and possession game.  In the sixth minute Villa defender Ron Vlaar got himself out of position and made a horrible challenge up near midfield, he whiffed and took himself out of the play.  Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain streaked into the space, ran forward and sent a pinpoint center pass to the six, where Olivier Giroud  tapped it home to make 1-0 to the Gunners.  That was about the end of the good things for Arsenal.

In the 22nd minute Gunner 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny took out Villa's Christian Benteke as he strode 1v1 in the box and conceded a PK.  I thought he should have seen red, but referee Anthony Taylor showed him  the yellow card instead.  Szczesny then saved Benteke's rather pedestrian PK, but gave up a fat rebound right back into the center of the box, which Benteke headed into the empty net for the equalizer.

The first half then proceeded to play itself out in a bloody manner, with Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs leaving the match with a massive bloody wound to his head.  The ref handed out a few more cards, but seemed to lose the match. Despite that the half cruised to a 1-1 end.

It went from bad to worse for Arsenal in the second half as Oxlade-Chamberlain went out early on with a knock to the knee.  Then in the 60th minute Villa took the lead for good off of another penalty  Laurent Koscielny took down Agbonlahor in the box, but it looked fairly soft.  Still, Benteke iced the PK this time to make it 1-2.  The referee further drew the fans' ire when he sent Koscielny off in the 67th minute with his second yellow card.

Soon enough the fans' wrath turned to Wenger though.  With the Gunners offense sputtering in search of an equalizer, they gave up a counter attack where Antonio Luna slotted home the final goal of the match to make it 1-3.  The Gunners fans unfurled banners lambasting Wenger for not spending as the club was booed off the pitch.  It really was quite the sight.

Interestingly enough, the Hawkeye Goal line technology system was first used in this game.  In the 52nd minute Villa's Fabian Delph hit the bottom of the cross bar, and the system correctly showed that the ball did not cross the line.  It was indeed a successful test.

It doesn't get any easier for Arsenal though, as they face a tough Champion's League Qualification test midweek, and they now have even more injuries.

Puddle's Barclay's Premier League Preview 2013-2014

This man represents my biggest question going into the EPL season. (Manchester United Press)

The new Barlcay's Premier League season gets underway this weekend, and there's a lot of new aspects to be digested, especially for us fans here in United States.  This season the coverage shifts from Fox Soccer to the NBC Sports Network, which should mean more viewers for the league here in the states.  Plus NBC will be offering all matches on TV via their "Premier League Extra Time" and online via their streaming service.  It's quite exciting!

Of course there's plenty of new in the league itself, and none of the stories are bigger than the new managers at three of the league's top four clubs.  With Sir Alex retiring, Manchester United handed the reigns to Everton boss David Moyes.  Chelsea washed their hands of Rafa Benitez and brought Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge for another go 'round.  Meanwhile, another Champions League failure and the loss of the EPL title cost Roberto Mancini his job at City, where he was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini, lately of Malaga fame.  In my opinion, these three men will largely shape the title race, and here's how I think it will shake out:

UEFA Champions League Places:

1. Chelsea FC--Last year I bet against Manchester United in the title race, and I got shown up.  Alas, I'm going to do it again.  I think having Mourinho back in the fold is going to make a huge difference for the Blues, and they've all seemed pretty positive.    The Blues have also gotten quite a bit younger, and I think they have a good mix of old guard and new.  The preseason buzz has largely surrounded the Blues pursuit of Wayne Rooney.  Ultimately, I don't see United selling him to a title rival, but we'll see.  Samuel Eto'o has also emerged as a dark horse possibility.  However, I'm looking for this guy to have a BIG impact this year:

When the Blues first signed Romelu Lukaku, he was hailed as "the next Drogba."  To my mind, he hasn't done anything to lose that reputation as he torched the league on loan with West Brom last year.  He should do even better under the Special One.

2. Manchester City--Pellegrini is a solid manager with tried and true experience in Europe.  Honestly, I look for City to have an improved Champions League campaign this year and to push Chelsea for the title all season long.  Edin Dzeko could be key for city, with Tevez and Balotelli both finally out of the way.  He's certainly a shoe-in for my fantasy squad.  Hopefully a lot of City's off the pitch issues exited with Tevez, Balotelli, and Mancini, giving Pellegrini a clean and quiet slate to work with.  Expectations will be high though, and he best meet some of them.

3. Manchester United--Do not adjust your screens.  I'm putting United in third.  Now, to give a little perspective, the title could come down to just a few points.  I expect United to contend all season long.  As for Moyes, it's time to see what happens.  For years people have been wondering what he could do if he had a big payroll and a big budget.  That day is here.  Unfortunately, Cesc Fabregas is not here, and as of yet United haven't seemed to be able to bolster that midfield.  Last year Van Persie was the man for United, and it's safe to say that he will be again, but does Moyes have the Sir Alex gusto that will take to push through to the title?  We'll see.

4. Arsenal.--It seems like fourth place has been a trophy in and of itself for Arsenal lately, and honestly, I don't see them getting much higher this year.  The summer transfer window has once again been devoid of significant action while Chelsea, City, and United have been more active.  If they can add another piece or two, they'll be outside contenders for the title, but I look for them to have another solid season and hit the Champions League spots for next year.  The question is, when is that going to stop being good enough?

THE BEST OF THE REST

5. Swansea City--The scary thing is, not only did Swans hold on to what was theirs in the off season.  They got better.  Micheal Laudrup not only has Michu at his disposal, but also newly acquired Ivory Coast International Wilfried Bony, who scored 32 goals last year in the Dutch league.  Swans will be a threat for the domestic cups, and if somebody in the top 4 slips up, they could have an outside chance for a Champions League spot.

6. Everton--No Moyes?  No problem.  That's been the attitude for Everton so far in the preseason, where they have looked really fresh and up for the competition.  New manager Roberto Martinez has the Toffees playing really attractive football, and they've just gotten deeper during the summer. (I'm looking at you Gerard Deulofeu.)  It could be an exciting year for the Toffees, with Europe not out of the question.

Now to finish out the top 10:

7--Tottenham
8--Liverpool
9--West Ham
10--West Brom

Who is going to relegated?  Sorry for fans of:

Southampton
Hull "Tigers"
Crystal Palace (I wish it were going to be otherwise.)

So there's my take on the EPL this season.  Good luck to everyone, the first fixtures are almost here!

The Grinder: RSL Hold Off Houston Dynamo

Houston's Adam Moffat conceded the PK that turned into the winning goal.

Saturday night was RSL's first league home match since this disappointing loss to Sporting Kansas City last month.  Recent MLS results had seen the Claret and Cobalt pick up only one of their last nine available points, yet somehow they were still at the top of the Western Conference.  Wednesday night, an Open Cup play win over the Portland Timbers instilled some new confidence in the team, but again they gave up a late goal, which had been the hoodoo of the side in recent weeks.

Houston came out well in the first 15 minutes, determined to put some pressure on RSL's more tired legs.  It seemed to work well for a time, even getting some possession in the RSL 3rd.  However, their midfield really didn't seem to be connecting well with Will Bruin up front, and for the most part he was a non factor.

After weathering the opening Houston storm relatively unscathed, the Claret and Cobalt started to assert themselves fairly well.  Jason Kreis came out in a 4-2-1-3 formation featuring Alvaro Saborio, Joao Plata, and Olmes Garcia up front.  Plata didn't have the best of nights, but the Dynamo seemed to have particular trouble with Olmes, fouling him quite a bit.  Still, the pressure mounted by RSL didn't pay off until late in the first half.

In the 37th minute, Olmes Garcia went up for a header in the penalty area.  Houston's Adam Moffat came in and clearly undercut him, dropping him to the ground as he went for the ball.  The referee pointed to the spot, awarding RSL a PK.  The Dynamo and some media folks have tried to call this into controversy, but I think it was the absolute right call.  You see that particular call made at midfield all the time and nobody says a word, because it's foul.  If you do it in the penalty area, you concede a PK.  It seems pretty cut and dry to me.  At any rate, Saborio wrong wayed Tally Hall on the PK, sending RSL into the locker room up 1-0.

The Dynamo came out in the second half with the same intensity that they started the first half with.  I expected a similar outcome, that they would press really hard for 10 or 15 minutes and then RSL would gain control again.  That didn't happen though as the fatigue from Wednesday night started to set in.

Despite the pressure, it never really felt out of hand.  There were a couple of times that I wanted to avert my eyes though, as RSL gave up some dangerous set piece opportunities late in the match.  Brad Davis and the Dynamo specialize in these.  There was one in particular, either late in regulation or in stoppage time, where Davis had pretty much a straight on look at the goal. I wrapped my scarf around my face in panic, but couldn't resist having a peek.  RSL's wall stood firm though, repelling the attack and holding on to the 1-0 win.

So certainly Saturday night wasn't the Claret and Cobalt's best performance or finest hour.  In my mind, the fatigue from Wednesday took it's toll, and one has to remember that Kyle Beckerman has basically been playing two matches per week for the last 6 weeks.  He was also carrying a knock.  Kreis said post game that he will look to rest the RSL captain in training this week. 

But it was Beckerman's own post game comments that resonated with me.  He mentioned that the team was really focused on keeping the clean sheet, and it showed.  Late goals cost RSL points against Sporting, New York, and Colorado.  RSL was in position to win all three of those games, but only took one point.  Saturday night the defense, bolstered by the return of Wingert, Beltran, and Salcedo, clamped down on a dangerous Dynamo attack and held all three points.  It WAS one of their finest hours and a job well done.

So with that in mind, here are the Puddle's Three Stars for Saturday Night:

THIRD STAR--Carlos Salcedo, CB, RSL:  I just can't get enough of this kid.  Salcedo has been a complete revelation this year out of the Academy.  We could have been in big trouble with Schuler and Kwame out, but this kid has not only stepped in, but he has stepped UP.  He did have one bad give away in the first half, but he got back to help limit the chance, and it didn't hamper his effort for the rest of the match.

SECOND STAR--Olmes Garcia, F, RSL: Olmes didn't have any goals Saturday night, but the Dynamo really couldn't handle him, hence the fouls and the PK.  The great thing about this kid is that he's only going to get better.  We'll see if the league adjusts to him.

FIRST STAR--Ned Grabavoy, MF, RSL:  Ned is very quietly having a career year, and it's a testament to him that it's been so quiet.  He steps in anywhere and everywhere and does whatever is asked of him.  Saturday night he missed one pass out of 42.  Insane.

RSL Tops Timbers, Punches Open Cup Final Ticket

RSL held off the Portland Timbers in US Open Cup Play (USA Today Sports)

It's happening folks, we're getting another Cup final at Rio Tinto Stadium!  Last night Real Salt Lake outlasted the Portland Timbers to take a 2-1 win in the US Open Cup semifinals.  By virtue of the coin flip held a few days ago, the Claret and Cobalt will host US Open Cup Final on October 1st.  Their opponent will be DC United, who advanced by beating the Chicago Fire in their semifinal.

It wasn't easy for RSL, and it never was going to be against the Portland Timbers, who have made huge strides forward since Caleb Porter took over at the beginning of this season.  However, what we saw last night was largely an experienced Claret and Cobalt side going up against a younger Timbers side that was lacking experience in big time contests, especially on the road.  A draw wasn't going to be enough for the men from Portland this time.

RSL got a much needed game changer in the 7th minute, and it was the returning Gold Cup players to the rescue.  Kyle Beckerman found Alvaro Saborio in the box and Sabo expertly headed the ball inside the back pot to make it 1-0.  It was a huge break for the Claret and Cobalt, but afterward things got a little rocky.

Portland took to their possession game to see what they could do about their new disadvantage.  To some it seemed like RSL was just content to let the Timbers possess in their own half and midfield, but I think there was an element of nervousness to it, and I guess given recent results, you couldn't blame them.  Still, the defense was pretty solid and limited the Timbers to very few clear cut chances.

The best of those in the first half came from former RSL favorite turned Timbers Captain Will Johnson, who unleashed a hellish strike on goal in the 40th minute.  Thankfully for RSL, they had Gold Cup winning 'keeper Nick Rimando in net, who stoned his old teammate to preserve the lead going into the halftime.

The second half proceeded along similar lines, with RSL doing a bit better at keeping some of the possession for themselves.  However the game changed for good when Joao Plata checked in during the 62nd minute.  Our little bundle of speed, touch, and energy helped put Portland on their heels a bit more, and in the 78th minute he slashed a great goal into the back of the net to make it 2-0 off of a great setup from Saborio.

As it turned out, the Claret and Cobalt would need that goal.  In the first minute of stoppage time, Rimando managed a huge reaction save on Portland's Diego Valeri.  Unfortunately the rebound went right back to the Portland playmaker who headed it in with Nick still on the ground to make it 2-1.  Thankfully the defense held and there would be no stoppage time glory for the visitors to Rio Tinto that night.

I really urge everyone to come out on October 1st to support the club in the Open Cup Final.  It's roughly six weeks away, plenty of time to try to get off work, which I am definitely going to try to do.

Now here are the Puddle's Three Stars:

Third Star: Diego Valeri, MF, Portland Timbers--Valeri was the biggest danger man for Portland last night, and scored their lone goal in stoppage time.  However, he also missed the target on a clear header earlier in the half that probably should have been a goal.

Second Star: Alvaro Saborio, F, Real Salt Lake--I'm still amazed that we have folks who don't like Sabo.  What did he do last night?  Oh, he just scored the first goal and set up the winner.  No biggie.

First Star--Nick Rimando, GK, Real Salt Lake--Nick has been on fire this year, and came up with some huge stops again last night.  I'm really hoping he gets the recognition due to him at the end of the year, because no 'keeper in MLS is having as good a season as he is.

With the RM Cup Over, What's Next for RSL?

Early heroics from Ned Grabavoy weren't enough for RSL (Realsaltlake.com)

There was good news and bad news for RSL coming out of Commerce City. Colorado, Saturday night.  First and foremost for many fans, despite a gutty performance from the Claret and Cobalt, the Colorado Rapids evened the match at 2-2 in the second half to claim the Rocky Mountain Cup for the first time in seven years.  It's indeed a bummer for RSL fans, but it's a well earned accomplishment for Oscar Pareja and his young Rapids group.  Suffice it to say, the rivalry has been rekindled.

However it wasn't near all bad for RSL.  A point on the road in MLS, especially in a rivalry match like this, is never a bad thing.  This result, plus the draw between Portland and Vancouver, keeps RSL on top of the Western Conference exiting the weekend.  That's right, despite only claiming 1 point out of their last 9, the Claret and Cobalt are still on top.  Also Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman returned to the lineup after missing a month with Gold Cup duty.  Rimando was clearly man of the match, with his several saves earning RSL that valuable point.  

With the angst of the Rivalry melting quickly in the rear view mirror, what is next for the Claret and Cobalt?  What lies ahead?  Obviously attention immediately shifts to US Open Cup Semifinal match this Wednesday against Portland.  It's two wins for RSL until they can collect not only a trophy to add to the cabinet, but to lock down a CCL spot for next year and claim the corpse of that particular White Whale.

Portland are no slouches though, and former RSL man Will Johnson will lead his club into Rio Tinto  on Wednesday night with the exact same goals: the winner of this match will host the final.  Hopefully RSL will be able to have the services of Javier Morales as he left the Colorado match early for precautionary reasons.  Look for Nick Rimando to make his first start of this year's Open Cup campaign, and look for the return of both Tony Beltran and Chris Wingert to help bolster RSL's defense.  Those points should be a great relief to RSL fans.  Wingert and Beltran's suspensions are now over in league play, which means they can return to the lineup when RSL host the Houston Dynamo at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night.  Those three points could be crucial, especially with three six pointers coming up against Portland.

RSL will need to defend it's home field advantage to lock up the playoffs and make any kind of a run at the Shield or a high seed.  There are six remaining League matches at the RioT vs Houston, Columbus, Portland, San Jose, FC Dallas, and Chivas USA.  Hopefully worst case scenario lands you 12 out of those 18 points.  That would put RSL at 50 points, if they don't earn another on the road.  All of RSL's remaining road matches are against Western Conference Playoff teams, if one assumes that Seattle will make a run with Dempsey in the fold.  The points on the road could be at a premium, making winning our matches at home even more vitally important.  Circle the August 23rd date at LA and September 28 at Vancouver as matches that could be targets for at least a point.  Seattle is kind of an unknown quantity with Dempsey, for now.

So there's plenty to play for, and the Claret and Cobalt are going to have to play at the top of their game from here on in to make a run at a solid playoff seed.  The conference is going to be very tight.