If the Season Ended Today...

...it would have been only one game long. But I did enjoy seeing Newcastle win their opening match for a change as opposed to waiting weeks to put up their first points on the table. Limited time and memory so this will likely be short.

A strange weekend taking in matches in so many different media. First two on TV - Arsenal thump Fulham and Crystal Palace slip past Southampton. Liverpool Leeds is a hoot with the newcomers coming back three times before the defending champs seal a win with a PK in the 88th minute. First half was on TV, second half on my phone (NBC Sports app) while driving up to the Poconos; more accurately, I was in the car, Laura was driving so it's not as dangerous as it sounds. Once up here, I watch the Union match on ESPN+ via my computer. And after everybody's gone to bed, I watch the West Ham - Newcastle replay on computer via Peacock. Sunday's matches are both cast from my phone to the TV. Monday's matches are back to the computer.

Newcomers Shine

Wilson and Hendricks strong in debuts

Steve Bruce wasted no time in putting the new signings to work. Saturday's starting 11 vs West Ham included Callum Wilson up top, Jamal Lewis at left back and Jeff Hendrick in midfield as the Magpies went with a 4-4-2. Curiously, the lineup did not include Miguel Almiron; Bruce explained later he wanted a more physical team against the Hammers. Have to say just about everything he tried worked in a 2-0 victory in which the Magpies looked the better side. Wilson had the opening goal. Hendricks assisted on Wilson's goal and got one for himself to seal the victory. Lewis was a constant nuisance to West Ham with multiple forays down and crosses from the left side. Andy Carroll didn't score but was an intimidating presence, especially in Newcastle's own 18. And Almiron came on late to set up Hendricks' goal.  All good.

Other Random Thoughts on EPL Action

The stats at 538 say Liverpool crushed Leeds but the 4-3 match was exciting.  They played attractive football and the promising forecasts for them may be on target. 

Everton's 1-0 win over Spurs suggests a rejuvenated squad.  Last week I was focused on James Rodriguez but the additions of midfielders Allan and Doucoure might have even more impact.  Also, Pickford looked like a keeper who may have regained his confidence.

Speaking of keepers, how is it that Chelsea spent over £200 million pounds this transfer window yet Kepa is still between the sticks for them?  He was arguably the weakest part of last year's squad and he looked culpable on Brighton's leveler.  Later goals from Reece James (rocket!) and Zouma meant a reasonably comfortable 3-1 win but this seem's like an ongoing problem.

Peacock

Still not loving this idea of so many matches on Peacock.  I don't mind forking over the $50 for a season pass and their replays seem to work well enough.  But so many fewer matches on NBCSN is not helpful.  With the TV matches, I can DVR and have some control over the schedule as opposed to being at the mercy of Peacock's schedule of posting replays.  Put me down as a no for now.  Yeah, first world problems, I know...

You Say You Want a Revolution...

No, just for the Union to beat them at home.  And when New England's Matt Polster got his second yellow card in the 56th minute, things were looking good.  Except after having the run of play, this advantage seemed to confuse the Union.  When Anthony Fontana came on in the 64th minute, it was still 0-0.  The 21 year-old moved things along with a "dainty doop" (Tommy Smyth's words) in the 73rd minute.  But of course, the Union still looked unsteady and sure enough surrendered the equalizer at 81 minutes.  A draw at home playing the second half a man up is no way to go through life.  Fortunately, Fontana had more in store.  Check out his game winner in the 95th minute, easily this week's YouTubeableMoment.  Also, the ATT MLS goal of the week.

So they escape with the win and move back into second in the conference.  Not the most reassuring of victories though. 

Werewolf of London...Again?

Bales back in London?

By the time you read this, Tottenham will likely have completed a season-long lone deal to bring Gareth Bale back to the club.  The hirsute Welshman has been out of favor at Real Madrid for some time so he's probably keen on the move.  Sounds like he might take some playing time from Lucas Moira.

Also on the personnel front, BFS Scandinavian Correspondent Philip S gives us a heads up that Sergino Dest might be going to either Barcelona or Bayern.  Dest (Dutch dad, American mom) has played three times for the USMNT.  I'll confess to not knowing much about him but if either one of these European sides wants him, that sounds good.  Let's hope it's not much Adu ado about nothing.

More Peacock

As of this writing, eight of this weekend's matches are on Peacock, just two on NBCSN and none on NBC.  The weekend's feature match - Chelsea vs Liverpool is 11:30 on Sunday and no TV coverage.  Pardon me but WTF?  The NBCSN matches are Arsenal - West Ham (3 pm Saturday) and Leicester - Burnley (2 pm Sunday); neither is projected to be close though Burnley are nobody's pushover.  

Saturday's most interesting contest for me is Leeds - Fulham as two of the newcomers face each other; this is where we can get a sense of whether Leeds is in a different league than the other two newly promoted sides.  Sunday morning will likely be busy as Tottenham travel to Southampton at 7, Newcastle try for two consecutive wins with a home contest against Brighton at 9, then the feature match between Chelsea and Liverpool.  Spurs may be up against it a bit with Southampton on the road but they really don't want to drop their first two.  Newcastle should be good for at least a point at home vs the Seagulls except this is Newcastle so who knows.

On Monday at 1 pm, Aston Villa finally take the pitch, hosting Sheffield United.  The Villans, having not played yet sit 9th in the table.  Monday's second match at 3:15 is worth a look as Man City face Wolves at Molineux; of course the Citizens are big favorites but Wolves do have some credibility as giant killers, or at least giant drawers.

MLS announced Phase 2 of the season with three more contests for each team.  The Union get two consecutive road matches, facing Montreal Sunday night at 7 pm and Cincinnati on Wednesday at 7:30.

Hopefully this Peacock thing is going to work out...