It appears I was not a good boy last year. My list to Santa was almost entirely made up of requests for Crystal Palace glory over the three festive period games. After two draws and one loss where we scored a grand total of zero goals I realized that Santa sucks the bag.
One of the main issues leading to my frustration is that my expectations are now so high. It is difficult to remember that two years ago we would have dreamed to scrub the toilets at Chelsea let alone play them and expect to win. After Saturday's 3-0 hammering, I have been brought back down to Earth with a bang. Although I do have an out. Our three most influential attacking players were out through injury or suspension leaving us as impotent up front as a Roman eunuch with crabs. My soccer American Dream is far from crushed.
On the plus side we finished the calender year, now halfway through the season, with 31 points, twice as many as this time last year. We saw huge financial investment and a spirit stronger than cave aged absinthe. And for the Austin Eagles, we grow in numbers and stature each week. Once again, last Saturday I wandered into Fado for the game and was treated to the sight of a stranger clad in last year's Palace home shirt cheering for our boys. Needless to say, Jon is now a fully paid up member of the Austin Eagles at the bargain price of a titanium tough commitment to the cause.
Bring on 2016.
This weekend sees a break from the premier league. We do play on Satuday at 9am however in the FA Cup in our very tough first round tie against recently conquered but still skillful Southampton. This is not on at Fado but it is on Fox so if you just can't make it any further without some red and blue action and have cable then you can watch it.
Our next league game is against the very worst team in the league Aston Villa. We really should spank these guys. They are on one of the longest winless streaks in league history. I will be at Fado to watch it on Tuesday 12th at 1.45pm, sadly another school day. Please join me.