The start of the Premier League season is the first sign that I am ready for fall to come. I’m ready for the humidity to quit being so oppressive and I am ready to have my Saturday mornings booked solid with coffee (and/or Guinness). I am ready for some soccer (or SACCAH.)
The end of the season for my team, Tottenham, was crap. I remember being so excited that Spurs could finish second in the table and, more importantly, ahead of Arsenal for the first time in two decades. That didn’t happen. Spurs fumbled the game in a bad way losing 5-1. I didn’t want to talk to anyone for the rest of the day. Even some of my Arsenal fan friends felt sorry for me.
There was a grim reminder of that season these past few days when manager Mauricio Pochettino said that he wanted to “kill the team” after the loss. A few of my Arsenal friends sent/tweeted it to me. I think that’s a good reminder that I don’t want this season to end up like it did last year.
This will be my third season watching the Premiere League extensively. I’m surprised by how quickly the sport of soccer (SACCAH) has taken hold in my sporting fandom. I still like other sports, but they don’t inspire me the way soccer does. Baseball is long. Football has a bunch more issues, and while I still like basketball, I just didn’t watch it a ton last season.
Tottenham is predicted to do well. They’ve still got a young team. And the game is on…. Will finish the second half of this blog post afterwards….
Ok, well that didn’t quite end up how I wanted it to. Spurs drew 1-1. They really didn’t look good in that first half. Everton controlled possession and they didn’t get Harry Kane the ball. Hugo Lloris left with an injury (NOT GOOD.) The second half was better. They created a lot more chances and they looked like the had more energy. New signing Vincent Janssen looked good coming off the bench for the team. Hopefully he can be a dependable second option at striker behind Kane. If game one is any indication, he probably will be.
If nothing else, I’m glad to follow a team that makes me feel something again. The Twins have been a huge bummer this season. I’m still weary of getting in any relationship with the Vikings. The Wild don’t do it for me, and the Timberwolves are fun, but expectations are still low. I’m happy to have my Saturdays booked again to watch this team. They’re a fun, energetic, bunch, and I’m glad I got in on the ground floor of their resurgence a few years ago. I’m thinking about buying a jersey, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to spend nearly $100 on an article of clothing. (I really don’t like buying knockoff stuff.)
So, here’s to you Spurs. Don’t let me down this season. (Even though there will probably be a lot of heartbreak.) I’m hopeful right now.
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