The EPL started this weekend

The English Premier League officially kicked off its 2007-2008 season this weekend. I've been eagerly awaiting this season since the last one ended [or as Ad Homonym stated, "I've missed the EPL tremendously over the long, arduous 3-week offseason."]. One of the reasons I've been looking forward to this is because I'm playing Fantasy Premier League. Organized by the K-Mish, this is the second year we've had a private league. However, this will be my first year playing for more than 1 week. Last year I somehow got distracted after the first week and forgot to keep my roster and team up to date. One of my better moments was keeping Captain America, Claudio Reyna, not only in my lineup but as my team captain for the entire season. This was a bold move on my part, especially since Claudio switched not only teams but leagues [from the EPL and Manchester City to MLS & the NY Red Bulls].

Right now I'm watching the clinic on ball possession being put on my Manchester United. Theoretically they're playing Reading today, but as of this point [58 minutes in] the other team is largely defending with their lives and not really attacking. If you don't like soccer, this would be a very boring game for you as it's currently 0-0 despite the fact that one team is completely outplaying the other. Games like this remind you of how difficult goals are to get, especially in the EPL. Side note: Ryan Giggs is underrated, if there is such a thing for a man who captains the Red Devils. He's very solid and is a workhouse on this team filled with some superstars [Rooney and Ronaldo come to mind].

Funniest comment of the game so far has to "They should charge Van der Sar [ManU keeper] a spectator fee b/c all he's doing is watching this game today."

Christiano Ronaldo is as good as you've heard; he's in his own league out there against some of the best players in the world. His technical ability and his tactical knowledge [when to use his skills] are changing the play of this game.

Of course all of this is [so far] for naught; the score remains locked at 0-0 at this point. Selfishly I hope that Ronaldo or Rooney score, which would really help my fantasy points this week. That could almost help make up for Carlos Bocanegra giving up a penalty goal.

Dave Kitson, a substitute in the game, has just earned a red card for a "rash and hard challenge." This coming after being on the field for exactly 45 seconds, which is the current record for quickest red card this year. This dismissal and man advantage should open up the field and game a lot for ManU.

The other fun moment of the day was watching Jens Lehmann give up a silly, simple goal to Fulham. I'm sure you can find it on YouTube in a few hours. If today is any indication, it's going to be a long & exciting season to watch, especially since I kept up our Fox Soccer Channel subscription so I can watch the games live.