For better or for worse this is the Barclay's Premier League.

So much has been happening so far in the Barclay's Premier League and we're only three games in.

 

Liverpool, using smoke, mirrors, luck, and any other advantage they can, have one three games despite only scoring three goals. All by the same dude. Daniel Sturridge.

West Brom and Sunderland have struggled early on unexpectedly. Not so unexpectedly, Manchester United is off to a slow start. Winning one, drawing one, and most recently, losing one.

 

On the topic of unexpected.... we go to Arsenal, where after an opening loss, fans were calling for the head of manager Arsene Wenger. Who did the unthinkable in the offseason. He didn't spend any money.

Well guess what? Arsenal has now won two in a row and Wenger loosened the purse strings for a whopping signing.

 

We'll get to that in a minute. First, we need to discuss a major blow to the entire BPL.

 

Tottenham's sale of young star Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for a record transfer fee of $132 Million.

 

This is a major coup for Real and for La Liga. (La Liga is the equivalent of the BPL in Spain)

Whenever a major star leaves for another league, it's big news... this is no exception. The BPL is the best football in the world. It has no equal. But that doesn't mean there aren't great teams out there. La Liga has two of these teams in Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While this is in no way comparable to Bobby Hull leaving the NHL for the WHA, it still leaves a gaping hole where once was a rising star.

 

If teams from the BPL continue to lose players f this quality to teams elsewhere in the world... the BPL is in danger of losing it's status as the best.*

 

*while others may argue that Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A, or Germany's Bundesliga are on par with the Premier League... it's not about talent or trophies. The BPL plays the game the right way. Watching two of the bottom tier teams in the BPL is far more entertaining than watching them in any other league. And that's my basis. Entertainment value. Style of play. Watchability if you will.

 

About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to pull this from a pack of Premier League stickers.

(well, okay, it was actually a redemption, but it turned into this...)

 

 it opens up into one of those little photo holders kids give away their school pictures in....

Here's a closer look at the prize.

 A nice little momento of the Welsh midfielder.


HOWEVER.

Where there is dark, there is light. And in this case, it comes from, of all places, Arsenal. Who after not spending any money at all, set a club transfer fee record of 67 million to get attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid. Then promptly signed the 24 year old to a five year deal at $225,000 a week.

 Anyone who saw Ozil play as a 20 year old in the 2010 World Cup knows he is exciting and extremely talented. I wish United had got him.
So while the BPL lost Bale, they gained Ozil, now the most expensive German player ever.

I can't wait to see him play regularly. I know he'll do well. Just hopefully not against United.

Speaking of Manchester United....  they were quiet as well. Only signing one player at the deadline.

The 'fro, has come back, to United. Yes, Marouane Fellaini was transferred to United from Everton for $43 million. This will surely strengthen United's midfield position, but one can't help but notice new manager David Moyes' several failed attempts at acquiring numerous other players.
This is the big dance now David.... better sharpen your pencil and pay a bit more attention.


How did your club do? Any new faces? Lose anyone key?