20231103 Raven Newsletter

Hail GFOP!

I type with fingers soaked in memories. This week, my second son Ber played his last high school football game. Kid scored a screamer too. High School football is such a funny beast. Because of the classroom-closeness of the kids – many of whom have known each other since they were tiny – the passion, camaraderie and profound memory-making, often outstrip the tactical quality of the football. Ber had a curious four-year footballing odyssey. He is a fanatically invested kid, but the pandemic wiped out his freshman season, a pair of cruel leg breaks destroyed his second. He returned with a ferocity to win a championship junior year, becoming a captain as a senior. This is the message I wrote to him on the morning of his final gameday. If any of you have kids in a similar position, I hope they can relate:

“Son. Today is a momentous day. It is your final football match as a high school kid. You leave as a defending champion, and a captain. More than both of these things. You leave as a leader of your peers. You were once a quiet kid who watched others in silence. You have now learned to lead with word and action. A journey that has not been easy. There were many challenges. Some physical. Some utterly unexpected and beyond our control. All of which you were resolute in the face of, and which you grew as a human being by facing. You have been tenacious. That is the greatest quality. Something Arsene Wenger once described to me as “the ability to go from point A to B and to maintain your focus without weakening your motivation along the way.” That is what I hope you take from this, along with the memories of magical results, lovely goals, and the most profound friendships. Life is filled with challenges. Nothing will be handed to you. But you have within you whatever it takes to achieve your goals with thought, and grinding fight, and self-confidence. As well as love and empathy. I could not be prouder.”

Talking of Proud: So bloody excited for THIS:

🚨🚨THE MEN IN BLAZERS WOMEN’S AMERICAN FOOTBALL AWARDS, presented by Bud Light 🏆🏆🏆🍻

Last May, we launched our first annual American Men’s Football Awards, Presented by Bud Light. An event designed to give you a voice in deciding on America’s Premier League Player of the Year and America’s American Premier League Player of the Year. The awards were announced via a TV Show on NBC with Erling Haaland and Tim Ream graciously accepting their respective awards on the broadcast (for realz). 

Today, as we hurtle toward the culmination of another NWSL season o’ seasons, we announce the MiB Network’s Women’s American Football Awards in which you can decide NWSL Player of the Year, American Player of the Year and International Player of the Year. The nominees will be revealed in NEXT WEEK’S RAVEN NEWSLETTER when voting will officially commence. The winners will be revealed in a special YouTube Live Night of Nights in December. It has been a magical year for the women’s game. A truly incredible World Cup, a hyper-competitive NWSL season and the inexorable growth of the game we love around the world.

2. To the Football (Warning: Saturday’s games at funky kick-off times because of dislocation of clocks going back) 

i. Newcastle vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 1.30 PM ET, NBC Proper)

Arsenal travel North of the Wall to the Wildings of Newcastle who are having the time of their life and will be tops off, bellies out, baying for a signature win. The Toon may be battling with injuries to Botman and Isak, plus Tonali’s gambling bans, but had more than enough to flatten Manchester United in midweek Carabao action with ex-Gooner Joe Willock coming alive. Arteta will seek to bounce back from an impotent Carabao performance at West Ham. Emile Smith Rowe sadly joins Gabriel Jesus on the injury list. “We’re Eddie Nketiah’s team, now…” 

ii. Manchester City vs. Bournemouth (Saturday, 11 AM ET, USA)

Some reward to Bournemouth for their first win of the season. A visit to the three-time defending champions against whom they have lost all 12 of their previous Premier League tilts. The really bad news for the War Cherries: Rodri’s return from suspension has flipped City from Vulnerable to Invincible proving his immense worth and vital impact on the City midfield as he wins the ball back and distributes to perfection. 

iii. Manchester United vs. Fulham (Saturday, 8.30 AM ET, USA)

We have reached the extreme delusion state of Erik ten Hag’s United tenure as the once stoic Dutchman limped out of last weekend’s Derby humiliatingly insisting that his club are “on the way up” despite all evidence to the contrary, then proceeded to lose 3-0 at home again to a second string Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Fulham have no wins in this fixture in 17 games going back to 2009 but they face a United slumming it in ninth place, having lost eight of their first 15 games in a season for the first time in 60 years. Ten Hag’s squad seems split between players who are either petulant or woefully out of form. His upbeat comments sound like doomed echoes of those of Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho and Ole at their worst. We are in “bite your arm off for an unconvincing win” territory. 

One incredible note: This game will feature the first ever female referee in Premier League history. Congratulations to Fourth Official Rebecca Welch who is a pathfinder. May she be the first of many.

iv. Everton vs. Brighton (Saturday, 11 AM ET, P’Cock)

Midweek Carabao football against Burnley delivered something I did not think I would see again in my lifetime: A routine, comprehensive Everton win. At the final whistle, the commentator said, “Everton have now won five of their last seven games, all comps,” and I was honestly shocked that I have sat through that, because with the 777 Ponzi scheme refusing to go away, and rumors of the 12-point deduction incoming, it does not feel like it. But God Bless Sean Dyche who has quietly, efficiently, sprinkled his pragmatic brand of football over this squad as if it was Jarrad Branthwaite’s aftershave. The Nation’s Sweethearts Brighton arrive in dented form with just one win in their last seven in all comps and the memory of that crucial 5-1 massacre they experienced, despite owning 78% possession, at the Amex down the stretch last season. 

PS: I am interviewing Evan Ferguson next week. Send me your questions for him. 🇮🇪

v. Luton vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 11.30 AM ET, USA)

Take a look at this Darwin Nunez winner from midweek Carabao action: It is Peak Four Loko in Football Boots. Darwin had subbed on at the hour, within 10 minutes, he completely failed to control a long ball pinged to him by Trent. He let it roll under his feet so slapstickally that the Bournemouth crowd cheered. The Uruguayan had to scurry after it to the sideline, undeterred, then trotted forward, cut inside, whipping a knuckle ball of a flashing drive that just rose and dipped wickedly over a stunned Radu in goal. A slice of pure magic that was just as Nunez drew it up. I am kidding. That man draws nothing up. 

Also: Luis Diaz returns to training, as his father remains in the hands of Colombian kidnappers. An awful story. Much love to the Diaz family. 🇨🇴

vi. Tottenham. vs. Chelsea (Monday, 3 PM ET, P’Cock)

A return to Spurs for former No. 1 hugmeister, Pochettino, for the first time since Tottenham’s new Dad, Big Ange filled the cuddly-shaped hole he had left behind in many supporters' hearts and minds. Both managers are currently overseeing frenzied rebuilds in their image. Postecoglou has remade Tottenham in his image as a fearless, buccaneering, undefeated pacesetting league leader. Poch is still shuffling through young, raw talents as if they are unripe lemons in his bowl.

Finally: Full Premier League Television Broadcast Schedule. 

One last note: Uruguay and Gremio forward Luis Suarez, 36, is set to join Inter Miami in 2024 and reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Great movie tropes: old safecrackers go for one last bank heist. 

Men in Blazers Early Kickoff. Our daily news Podcast that drops at 6 a.m. every Monday through Friday and brings you all of the biggest stories, straight from Europe’s back pages. We are so bloody proud of this Podcast. If you have not given it a chance, do us a favor and listen to today’s episode which talks Ten Hag losing the dressing room and gives a Der Klassiker preview.

‎Listen to Men in Blazers Early Kick Off

11/03/23: Ten Hag loses dressing room, Der Klassiker preview, Lardy Army

3. It’s Happening: Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034
Who is watching the Watchers? Evidently no one. 

News this week that Australia will not mount a bid to host the 2034 World Cup means the only bid will be Saudi Arabia’s, whose bid will now proceed unopposed. No surprise after FIFA craftily and cravenly jerry-rigged the 2030 tournament to be held in three continents (!), blocking them all from hosting again to create as Tariq Panja tweeted “a Saudi-shaped bidding process.” To recap:

No Opposing Bids

No Votes Cast

No Transparency

No Discourse

No Accountability

Just a lot of FIFA'ing.

When you think of football, you think of joy, memories, of global connectivity. When you think of FIFA – every adjective, every value, every announcement, feels like the exact opposite. 

4. AC Milan: How do you say “Fight and Win” in Italian? 🇺🇸🇮🇹🤌🤌🤌

Last weekend's helter-skelter 2-2 draw with Napoli was filled with joy and frustration. Milan will hope to return to delirious winning ways Saturday (3.45 PM EST Paramount) against 17th placed Udinese, a team that includes former Premier League friends Florian Thauvin (Newcastle) and Gerard Deulofeu (Must watch highlight from Everton 😭). Italian newspapers suggest manager Stefano Pioli plans to rest many of his stars in anticipation of next Tuesday's critical Champions League clash with PSG. Brace yourself: Christian Pulisic will not feature after coming off with slight muscle knack at halftime last weekend, but Milan boss Pioli says he will be back to take on PSG in the Champions League. Udinese are yet to win this season in Serie A. Milan remain only three points off the top, yet AP reported Thursday that the Rossoneri's lackluster October form has prompted Milan's American owner Gerry Cardinale to meet with Zlatan Ibrahimović in hopes of bringing the former star back to the club he ended his career at in 2023. Zlatan x Pulisic. Make it So.

More: The big game in Germany tomorrow might purport to be Dortmund vs. Bayern, but we can’t wait for Union Berlin vs Stuttgart (Saturday, 10.30 AM ET, ESPN) which is Aaronson vs. Aaronson Derby. More on this incredible moment for this remarkable American family here: ‘It will be weird sharing the pitch’: Paxten Aaronson on playing against his brother for the first time. Raising a glass to both Brenden and Paxten and the hattricks we wish them both 🇩🇪🇺🇸

5. I am not a doctor, but I believe I have a nasty case of NWSL Playoff Fever 🇺🇸🏆

The NWSL Final Four is upon us. Gotham FC's first ever playoff win against North Carolina earned them a flight to Portland for a date of destiny against 25th place Ballon d'Or nominee Sophia Smith and her Thorns side that has lost only once against the Bats since 2018 (Sunday 7 PM ET CBS Sports Network). In the other game, OL Reign's “gritty" last minute win against Angel City sees them face off against NWSL Shield Winners San Diego in what the Wave pray will be the first of two dates that remain for their season at the Snapdragon Stadium (9.30 PM ET CBS Sports Network). Will Millennial Legends Ali Krieger & Megan Rapinoe defeat Gen-Z upstarts (& USWNT teammates) Sophia Smith & Naomi Girma? 

I interviewed Naomi Girma yesterday for a podcast which will be released on Saturday. It was really fascinating to hear her talk about everything she has learned in life from being around Megan Rapinoe, and just how much she hopes her team can make sure Sunday is Pinoe’s last ever game. Bring it on.

6. Wrexham: And you shall know us by the Trail of our FA Cup Runs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Before the Hollywood takeover, Wrexham lived for the FA Cup. Ask Arsenal '92 & West Ham '97. This year, their STōK-fueled FA Cup journey begins in the first round as they head 100 miles east to fellow League 2 denizens, Mansfield Town, Saturday night (3.45 PM EST ESPN). The Red Dragons charge in after extending their eight-game all comps unbeaten streak last weekend with a comfortable 2-0 win over frenemy-rivals Notts County, while the Stags enter the game four days after a Carabao Cup defeat by Port Vale ended their own 20-match unbeaten run. The two sides last met in early October in a fixture that ended goalless, despite Mansfield conjuring 20 attempts on goal. Wrexham's growing injury list is a concern for manager Phil Parkinson, who confirmed striker Steven Fletcher will undergo surgery for a knee injury. Godspeed. 

7. This Week at Men in Blazers World Headquarters

Oh Madone! What a week. We felt like Richie in the final episode of The Bear (no spoilers) shouting out tickets with what can only be described as maniacal joy. “Fire One Pod with Fabrizio Romano.” Here’s some stuff we’re proud of: 

ii. VAMOS with Herc Gomez, Presented by Bud Light. My favorite podcast of the week: Herc is joined by mighty Omar Gonzalez for a conversation that we adore. One that talks about the human side of growing up a dual national. “Ni aqui ni alla.” A truly incredible behind the scenes Beckham story from Omar’s time in the Galaxy. And a reflection on a tenacity filled career (that’s not over yet!) LISTEN HERE.

iii. Do it Live! Now on YouTube Live. I LOVE THIS NEW PLATFORM 💙 Wednesday, for the first time ever we broadcasted live on YouTube and took your questions. To be able to open up this platform as a place where we can connect with you, dear GFOPs, is an organizational moment of magic. Come for Everton’s victory over Burnley, stay for Rog’s thoughts on Saudi 2034. WATCH HERE. We’ll be back at 5 p.m. ET next Wednesday. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube so you never miss a broadcast. Come and join us and be on our shows LIVE!

iv. Tomorrow, we drop a quite spectacular Pod Special with the USWNT and San Diego Wave’s Naomi Girma 🇺🇸 in which she talks Supporters Shield Triumph, previews the NWSL semi-finals, talks about how she coped with World Cup disappointment, and provides magical insights into what it’s like to train against Alex Morgan day in and day out. 

v. Monday, it’s the return of the Men in Blazers TV Show with Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Mikel Arteta. It will be available, along with every episode from the last three seasons, on PEACOCK TV. Calf Muscle Aficionados should not miss this one.

vi. MiB Crate Digging. In honor of Everton’s impending clash with Brighton this weekend, we bring you Rog’s conversation with Legendary DJ and Brighton superfan Fatboy Slim, a part-owner of the South Coast indie darling. An interview that traces Brighton’s journey from the brink of extinction to the big time, explains the city’s counter culture ethos, and why they walk out to “Good Ol’ Sussex by the Sea.” LISTEN HERE.

Men in Blazers x Bud Light Sweepstakes - Exclusive Prizes for GFOPs 🍺

You’ve long known about the GFOPs at Bud Light’s support of the game we all love. Now, they’re giving us the chance to give away some exclusive prizes only to those of you reading this newsletter. Entering is easy: just head to budlight.com/MIB to enter for your chance to win signed gear, exclusive Bud Light merch, and more.*

8. Not Football, and All the Better for It

i. Incredible: photographs from 20 years of Halloweens as lived out on the New York subway.

ii. This Film looks remarkable. A documentary about a floating mental health center in Paris named the Adamant. Yes, after that Adam Ant. 

iii. An AI smoothie shop opened in San Francisco with much hype. Why is it closed already? It's rare that the first line of headline answers the second line so succinctly. 

iv. Everyone Was Wrong About Why Cats Purr. Speak for yourself, I always knew it was due to the myoelastic aerodynamic theory of phonation.

v. Just want to make sure everyone can read this and I don't need to admit myself: John Travolta and Katherine Heigl’s Musical Rom-Com ‘That’s Amore!’ From ‘Green Book’ Writer Has Recorded Seven Songs. WHAT, WHAT?

vi. Tinker, Rubber, Lava, Fly: The Evolution of On-Court Tennis Shoes. George Harrison and Billie Jean King in one article. I love it. I love it. I love it. 

vii. I would expect nothing less: Beer-belly wrestling and 'mud duel' to feature in first 'Florida man' games. I hear John Terry might come out of retirement just for this. 

viii. San Francisco’s 24-Hour Diner Stops the Cosmic Clock. Half a million eggs and half a century of SF history. An incredible place. 

ix. I Hired Chet Hanks as My Life Coach. Is this a novel example of profile writing or a call for help? 

x. The Rigid World of French Cheesemaking Meets Unbound Climate Change. “We are studying all the aspects of cheesability,” As am I. 

xi. The Daily Heller: Heavy Books May Be Hazardous to Your Health. Hilarious premise to such a stylish piece. Like if an Adrian Chiles column got the HighSnobiety treatment. 

xii. Sarah Hepola pens a fitting tribute: Matthew Perry’s Radical Honesty About His Addiction Battle Helped Us All. Bradley Whitford's eulogy to his friend got me this week as well. 

xiii. A really good “What to do, eat, drink” in Liverpool. Perfect for you matchday goers to Anfield and Goodison.

xiv. Angie McMahon is such an incredible talent. The Australian released a new album this week and it is the most emotionally nourishing thing you will listen to this year. Angie’s music really propelled me through the pandemic. I admire her greatly. She also announced a tour of the United States this week. Go and see her. Support her. Revel in the good vibe she is putting out into this world which is all too rare a currency. 

That is it for this week. I went to see my friend Brendan Hunt’s one man show, The Movement You Need at the Soho Playhouse in New York City last night. He is such a funny, brilliant man and his storytelling is emotionally honest, complex and elite. The Odegaard of one man shows. Could not admire or love him more. May we all live life with Brendan’s energy and honesty.

Big Love,

Courage,

To Better Days ahead for all.

ROG

*BUD LIGHT® “MEN IN BLAZERS” SWEEPSTAKES. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins 4/4/23 and ends 12/31/23. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://budlight.com/MIBSweeps for entry deadlines, prizes and details. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. © 2023 Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light® Beer, Light Beer, St. Louis, MO