
Two players blatantly dived in EPL games this weekend, in attempts to win a penalty for their respective teams. One, on his debut, was roundly criticized and labeled a cheat. The other wasn’t. No prizes for guessing which one was English.

Can someone explain to me why Sunderland played 4-5-1 in the opening game of the season? Yes, they earned a draw, so the end may have justified the means. But why did Steve Bruce’s side not go to Anfield and attack Liverpool’s weak back four, to see if it could handle the pressure? Defending in numbers has become the norm for away teams in the EPL and has even become a tactic used at home. See Stoke versus Chelsea. If the trend continues, the EPL will become like Serie A and will kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

Jurgen Klinsmann took charge of his first game as coach of the US National team in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The US were out of sorts in the first half, but played well in the second to earn a credible 1-1 draw against Mexico. Klinsmann was animated on the sideline and seemed to have told his players to enjoy themselves. He may not improve the team’s level of performance, nor match Bob Bradley’s overall accomplishments, but his positive attitude might just rub off on his new team.


Sergio Aguero scored twice on his debut for Manchester City ‘08 last night. He has already been lauded as the signing of the season, a possible player of the year and the best Manchester City player ever. A bit of perspective is needed. Aguero scored twice against Swansea City. They were a Championship side three months ago. Any forward worth 35 million pounds should be scoring a goal or two against a newly promoted team. When Aguero (and City for that matter) beat Man United in the league or Champions Legaue, when it counts, then he (and they) will truly have earned all the superlatives that will come their way.