Five more days til the newly christened BPL kicks off. I don't like the new acronym. Somehow, the word ENGLISH should be stuck in there.

Robin Van Persie! Feisty, isn't he? "I am not Thierry Henry ... I am not a tennis player ". It was taken out of context (as most English journalists always do) and was reported that RVP labelled Henry a tennis player. I also like the dig on Freddie Ljungberg , because I completely agree. I am very thankful to Henry and Ljungberg for the wonderful years they had at Highbury but i found their parting shots to be ... should I say, inappropriate? I can slightly understand Freddie since the Arsenal he knew no longer exists. While I hate beating a dead horse, Henry's was disconcerting. Tying up his exit to a board member is not a valid reason. What goes on in the board room is not a player's business, it sounded like an excuse. A lame one at that. William Gallas should learn that, as well. Factor in the fact that Henry creating unrest in the club by claiming that Arsene Wenger is leaving. They both implied that the players are not good enough for them. They might as well be gone if they couldn't show faith in their mates. Oh well ... C'est la vie.

I still love the fact that RVP is relishing the role of top gun. Him and Cesc Fabregas have proven that they can step into the shadows of Henry when it comes to dealing with the press.

Mclaren is visiting the US to check on David Beckham and the standard of play in Major League Soccer? He might be surprised that there is a chance that there MIGHT be better managers than him in the MLS. How could he have promised Beckham that as long as he stays fit he can play for England if he did not have any knowledge about the world's 12th most attended league ? I mean, its not like he is a club manager with so much hands-on activities and he doesn't have time to scout other leagues. And if he really wanted to see an MLS match, what happened to TV? He is just wasting the FA's money. You wanted to know how Beckham is doing? CALL HIM! Although, with the fine that the FA slapped on West Ham United, they could afford a few useless trips for Macca.

What about Edwin Van Der Sar? Quite impressive ... three consecutive penalty saves. What a stiff arm.

Where is Martins going? Not missing again, I hope. With Mark Viduka, Michael Owen, Alan Smith et al - it is rumored that he is for sale . I would sure love to see him at Arsenal, but Wenger has already said "No more strikers."

Why did Eddie Johnson reject Derby ? Pulling a Donovan? That experience would've certainly helped him. Even if he doesn't get the minutes, it wouldn't hurt to train in a club belonging to one of the top three leagues in the world. Fighting for that spot instead of him being an automatic selection for FC Dallas should be good for his mental toughness.

And how did the likes of Denilson (Arsenal) and Anderson and Nani (Manchester United) get working permits immediately while Alex (Chelsea) and Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal) get rejected? Not sure about Nani and Anderson, but Eduardo eventually got his through an appeal. I guess the FA takes after McLaren when it comes to a selection process.

That's it for now.