Okay, first let me qualify this "blog" by saying that I am still a new fan to club soccer.  I am normally a fan of the NFL, but when the media just wouldn't shut up about Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens last year, I turned the channel and discovered something new...English League Soccer.  I was hooked instantly.  If you haven't seen it, the EPL is the fastest, most exciting league in all of soccer.  Now, I'm not putting down the Italian, French or German leagues, but the pace in the English league and the enthusiasm of the fans will keep me focused on the match more than any other league.  That being said, I quickly began searching for a team to support.  It was difficult at first because there was so much information to take in, but the standouts were obviously Chelsea, Manchester United (the only club team I had heard of when this all started for me), Arsenal and Liverpool.  That was easy because, at the time, you guessed it...they were the top four teams in the league (dad said to always pick a winner, so...sorry Black Cats).  When it was all said and done, I fell on the side of Arsenal.  The main reason is because of the "Human Highlight Reel," (no, not Dominique Wilkins NBA fans) French striker, Thierry Henry.  Imagine that, an American that admires a French athlete.  What is the world coming to these days?  Okay, so I guess that's the long way around to pointing out that I'm a Gunners fan.  Not just because they have a cool name, but because they have some world class players and are exciting to watch.

Right!  On to my point...Chelsea also has some world class players.  In fact, I think they have too many.  Okay, I've never even been to England, but what's so special about Stamford Bridge anyway?  I'm not bashing you Blues fans, but why are they getting every single top player on the market this off-season?  Andriy Shevchenko (is Crespo not good enough anymore?), and Michael Ballack on a free transfer...are you kidding me?  I have to admit that maybe I'm overreacting here, but these are names that even I recognize, and I'm new to this sport!  So how good are these guys?  And now the rumors continue that Chelsea could end up signing Ashley Cole.  It's not enough that they won the league two consecutive years, now they have to try and take away my team's best defender?!

Okay, if it sounds like I'm whining, it's because I am, I guess (at least I'm man enough to admit it).  But this highway thievery is tantamount to what the New York Yankees have done for ages.  Steinbrenner's system can't develop good players, so he just goes out and buys what he wants, when he wants, because he's lucky enough to own a team in the largest baseball market in the world...New York City.  Does the same apply to Chelsea?  I know the Gunners are hardly a poor team, so why don't they come out stronger in favor of Cole?  Since Campbell is going to France, I don't think they can afford to lose another quality defender like Cole.  At least, don't lose him to Chelsea!  They have what they need for a third consecutive title simply because they didn't lose anyone that would weaken the side.  Blues fans should be thrilled.  They have an excellent team and will no doubt be near the top of the table in the spring.  I would just rather they did it by keeping their mitts off my players.

Come on Gunners fans!  Should we sell Ashley Cole or do whatever it takes to keep him?  I know I'll be disappointed to see him go, but if they want to keep him, they need to take action.  The George Steinbrenners of the EPL are after him, and when they talk...players tend to listen.  Post a comment and let me know what you think.