The Champions League draw was announced on Monday showcasing some wildly interesting matchups that should allow for some fun spectacle come February.
There were undoubtedly some big winners and some big losers. Teams that will love their draw and teams that will have nightmares about their scenario throughout the holiday season. So who are they? Let's have a look.
The Champions League group stage came to an end on Wednesday, summing up a rather eventful set of groups.
Summarizing the contenders remaining in the tournament is rather predictable these days and by extension, not that interesting. Instead, it is likely of greater value to go through some of the bigger surprises from the groups, including the major disappointments that came about in what has been an eventful tournament thus far.
Jose Mourinho and Chelsea endured yet another major embarrassment as the team was eliminated from the 2015-16 Football League Cup during a penalty shootout against Stoke City.
The Champions League is supposed to be the showcase for the world's best club teams. When asked what the best league in the world is, most would quickly claim the English league. It is the most competitive, the most physical, the most suspenseful. There are more than two or three contenders.
It is do or die for Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Gunners were picked to finish second in the Champions League group behind Bayern Munich. Now the team looks like it might not even finish third in the group.
There was a time when English soccer was considered the best. In fact, many will continue to go out of their ways to claim that the Premier League is the best and most competitive in the world.
The Champions League draw is set. The schedule is also set in coming weeks. Which team is going through to the next round. Here is a group by group breakdown of what is to come.
The Champions League draw took place on Thursday and all the teams are paired up in their respective groups. As usual there were big winners as well as big losers. Here is a rundown of the teams that should be happy and upset with their situation.
Another start to the season. Another year to start worrying about goaltending for Arsenal.
For years, the entire universe worried about Arsene Wenger's uninspiring trust in young Wojciech Szczesny between the pipes. For years, the 25-year-old looked promising, but always offered his fair share of howlers. Often it was a lack of focus or miscommunication with his backline that cost the keeper.
Arsenal reclaimed the Community Shield after taking down Chelsea 1-0. Arsenal also won the award last season, but many anticipated this matchup between the 2015 Premier League Champion Chelsea and the FA Cup winner Arsenal.
This game featured a plethora of story lines, but none more preponderant than José Mourinho vs. Arsène Wenger. For years the former held the advantage, not losing a single game against the Arsenal manger. Prior to Sunday's game, Mourinho held a record of seven wins and six draws against Wenger with no defeats.
But streaks are meant to be broken and this one was no exception.
How Arsenal did it was all the more impressive. Here are some takeaways.
Goaltending always seems to be the topic of conversation over at Arsenal. Despite most recognizing the signing of Petr Cech as a coup, it has continued that controversy, simultaneously creating a paradox.