A Dream Too High

This morning, I'm watching Arsenal versus Blackpool. Blackpool is just up to the Premier League for the first time, not having played in the top flight for many years, and most predict them to descend right back down to the limbo of the lower leagues. Arsenal, of course, is Arsenal.

Then again, Blackpool crushed Wigan last week 4-0 in their debut.

There was a bemusing discussion before the game in which the studio analyst was speculating on Blackpool's future. They will get an infusion of money through the season, for being in the Premiership, and if, as anticipated, they are relegated again, they will get a 'parachute' of extra money, presumably to help stabilize the club through the pains of going to a lower league with less revenue and the implications that has for the wages they can pay to players. Would or should Blackpool spend that money on one or two big name players to try to come right back up, or should they just seek to improve the club overall and settle back into the second division.

It's one of those odd aspects of the relegation/promotion structure, the question of simply consolidating one's position. It seems bizarre to the mind of the American sports fan who is raised to expect his team to go for glory at every opportunity. At first glance, the discussion seemed a little condescending, a little patronizing, as if Blackpool is a child allowed to eat an appetizer at the adults' table before going back to the younger set.

The question seems a little more academic now that Arsenal has scored twice and Blackpool is down to ten men. Blackpool has made a couple chances for themselves, but Arsenal's pace and passing has unlocked Blackpool frequently, and were it not for a couple missed chances, it could be four or five goals at this point. (The highlight is Andrei Arshavin getting an assist and scoring on a penalty kick for my fantasy team.)

Taking the money and settling for second division status: is that an example of sports as a business, or of setting realistic expectations, or a little of both? If you can't compete at the highest level, is this an example of patience, of trying to rebuild from a lower level to improve, or is it cashing in on a windfall from a chance to play with the likes of Arsenal for a year?

3-0 now, and Walcott scores his second. Blackpool's dream start last week is quickly being deflated, and reality has set in for them on their visit to London. Blackpool are no match for Arsenal, who are now able to pass and run through them on the flanks and right down the middle and it's not even halftime yet.

Is it possible there is more value for fans to see their team playing consistently and competitively in a lower league than to see them routinely outclassed at the highest level? There would be a certain exotic thrill at first to see the most famous teams and players, but if you get drubbed by multiple goals every week, you might get a bit tired of that. And with the extra money you get, you can do better in the lower league next season. For instance, Newcastle United went down two seasons ago, which left me feeling forlorn. Then last season, they cruised to the title of the League Championship, which was fun, even if it felt like winning a free pizza, but with sauerkraut instead of mushrooms and olives.

I don't even want to think about what this discussion implies for the broader world. Besides, as Marina and I discussed this morning, sometimes people get jaded of serious talks about life: they need their bread and circuses, which is why, perhaps, or at least in part why, I get more of a response to my food and sports blogs than I do when I write about religion and politics.

It has to be said there is a certain pleasure to see a team as skilled as Arsenal play with crystal-smooth precision to burst through Blackpool again for a 4-0 lead. At this rate, I would say Blackpool needs more than one or two big names to reach the upper echelons of the Premier League, so maybe that will dictate their future path. I guess Blackpool's position--or the position of any smaller team that does not have a realistic chance of winning the championship in a given year--is a balance of business needs and competitive needs, and, with rare exceptions--such as the Chicago Cubs--if a team does not give the fans what they want in terms of sporting experience, the fans will let them know, and that could have an impact on the business aspect of the club.

Arsenal now leads 5-0, and there is nothing more to say.