St. Totteringham's day

The EPL season is winding down with little to celebrate. The same two teams are on top of the table, regardless of their uninspiring play. The middle of the table is secure; Liverpool climbed out of the basement so long ago that it's difficult to remember that they were ever facing relegation. Plus, I can't get too worked up for any of the the teams fighting to avoid the drop. I guess I wouldn't mind if Blackpool hung around, but unless a back-room deal between them and the Red Devil Scum is formed, I'd say the Tangerines are as good as gone.

Manchester City is still in the FA Cup, which I attribute to my recently purchased Adam Johnson jersey. Their Premier League play, however... It's as if they didn't want it enough. They played decently against lesser teams, but when they faced the "big boys," any offensive attack was abandoned. Hopefully this weekends FA Final will give me a reason to celebrate.

Which brings me to Arsenal.

Arsenal had a decent season with a couple exciting victories (12/17 v Chelsea comes to mind), but with those were some of mind-boggling losses and draws (2/5 v Newcastle: wow).  They will finish third in the league for the second year running, plus they didn't bring home any silverware. Years like these there is only one thing left for the Gunners to celebrate: St. Totteringham's Day.

St. Totteringham's Day, also referred to as St. Totteridge's Day falls on whatever day the Arsenal secure enough points to mathematically finish ahead of arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur. This year the Gunners celebrated it on May 7th when Tottenham drew 1-1 with Blackpool, but the bliss of St. Totteringham's Day really lasts until the first derby between Spurs and Arsenal next season.


Note:
Graphic is based on St. Alban. He was one of the first British Christian martyrs and is a patron saint of torture victims, which seems appropriate for Arsenal supporters. He was decapitated.

MCFC in the FA Cup Final

"My" team is going to a cup final. I'm not sure how excited I should be. It isn't USA or Brazil in the World Cup, it sure wasn't Notre Dame for the March Madness Cup (go with it...), and it sadly won't be the Red Wings fighting for Lord Stanley's cup. It's the team that I only started following last summer, and for that reason I'm not sure I deserve to celebrate.

Before the EPL season started, I was drawn to Manchester City because they had Robinho. He was off the team before I even had a chance to buy his jersey. I figured once he was gone I'd go back to mildly supporting Everton; I like Tim Howard, they have a couple of Irishmen and their beer sponsor isn't horrible. But then I started cheering for Man City. They were quick, albiet not as graceful as Arsenal or tough as Man U. Carlos Tevez, who I initially loathed on principle, is fascinating to watch when he's in top form. I'm pretty sure their 9/25 win over Chelsea sealed my fate as a fan. It also didn't hurt that I really like their kits.

So here I am, a new supporter to a band-wagon-able team. I bought a jersey and a scarf. Now what do I do?

Turns out, there's an app for that. I mean, there's a website for that: Bluffer's Guide to Manchester City. I already knew most of the trivia, but I still think it's notable. The team has basically acknowledged that they are so awesome as to attract new fans, and instead of pooh-poohing our newfound support, they are welcoming us with open arms.

via Pitch Invasion
Photo by Johnny Vulkan/

Hockey and TV

Tuesday night's game between the Red Wings and the Sharks was one of the most exciting televised sporting events I've seen this year. I know I'm not the only one to have this opinion.

So why can't I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs on regular cable? I was aware that regular season games wouldn't be available, but if even the playoffs are relegated to one channel, why isn't Versus included in standard programming?

I understand that hockey might not be as popular in Kentucky as other places, but all winter I've only been able to catch games on Fox Sports South. I almost became a Predators fan. Worse, because I enjoy hearing the games as I watch them (and there isn't a Detroit bar in Lexington), I've been at the mercy of my friends with access to Versus. That wouldn't be all that bad if they weren't a Coyote and a Sharks fan.

Maybe there will be a concurrent NFL/NBA lockout that will force NBC to nationally broadcast games. One can only hope.

In the meantime: Go Wings.