Finally, after the not too exciting Euro 2004 final a month ago, I can finally watch soccer again. The English Premiership officially kicks off on the 14th of this month and I will have weekend soccer matches to look forward to again.

Last night I had a preview glimpse of the performance of my team in the Community Shield cup between Man Utd and Arsenal. Let’s just say I wasn’t particularly impressed with the team. Even without many of the key players (due to injury and Olympic commitments, the most notably missed player was Ronaldo), this was not an excuse for them to play such poor football. Sure there were a few chances, with new signing Alan Smith being impressive all round, but Utd’s players gave Arsenal players too much room to run around, and at times, the defense was caught napping. Find Utd’s players either to be brinking on the very good or the very poor when they go on the pitch, hence, the lack lustre performances. There is little teamwork, unlike what you see on the opposite end. Arsenal also lacked a few key players, but whatever 2nd team players they field, they were still impressive. Heh, I dislike Arsenal, but as any sane soccer fan, you have to admit they are mightily impressive, to the point where you respect them as a team.

Man Utd goes away to Chelsea for their first premiership match. It should be an exciting one as well. Not sure what kind of a season this will be. The money spending of Chelsea, Liverpool’s new manager, Arsenal’s already impressive league record, all this makes the season all the more interesting as it reduces the predictability of who will win the trophy at the end of the season.