Just saw the second half of Arsenal-Tottenham. Spurs, who'd gone up 1-nil in the first half, lost 3-1, to goals from Adelbayor (2) and Fabregas. It was a very entertaining half, with some poor finishing by Tottenham, who missed at least three open shots on goal. Fabregas' goal was a cutter from 30 yards, and was awesome. If Fabregas has added goal-scoring to his already impressive skill-set -- like the early returns of this season seem to indicate -- then I don't see how he won't figure as the Premiership's best non-Steven Gerrard player. I'd start a team with him over Cristiano Ronaldo any day.

Adelbayor's second goal was fantastic: his back to the goal, he received a pass from Fabregas, popped it into the air to his left just to the side of the defender, and then swivelled and nailed the ball while it was still aloft. From the camera view behind the defender, all you really saw was the ball flicked aloft to the defender's left and then Adelbayor's foot driving it past him. If Adelbayor weren't so inconsistent, he'd be terrifying.

Pool tied Pompey 0-0, which drops us out of first given Arsenal's win. I didn't see the game, given the 6:40 am CT start time, but the reports I've read pegged the Reds as mediocre.

FF

"US - Brazil, what a match. The US hung with the best team in the world for most of the match, and this was a Brazil team that had all of their horses. After watching Brazil smack Argentina in the Copa America with only half of their star-power, you couldn't help but think the US had little chance. But they played aggressive, attacking soccer and defended well enough. A couple penalties were the difference.The highlight of the match was Brazil's setup to what turned out to be Onyewu's own goal. The counter was deadly swift and included some ridiculous passing and ball control. The Brazilians at the top of their game are amazing to watch.The US highlight would go to Cherundolo to Dempsey for the US's second goal. "

So sayeth FF's college buddy (the Mercenary, see the EPL preview post). He's right.

The only thing I would add: Gooch was not impressive. I don't fault him for the own goal, but he was the one guy I felt looked like he did not belong on the pitch against Brazil. Slow, clumsy, nervous.

FF