Football Wasn't Much Fun Anymore

The second round of the Premier League had concluded in full.

The headline match of the round was Tottenham Hotspur hosting Chelsea.

The Blues took all three points from White Hart Lane with a 2-1 win, thanks to a goal from Messi.

Messi had scored in two consecutive rounds and was in red-hot form, giving Chelsea fans something to stand taller about.

Manchester City suffered a minor upset.

At home against Everton, the front three of Neymar, Mbappe, and Aguero unleashed twenty-eight shots, with more than half on target, yet they simply could not break through Everton's stubborn defense. In the end, it finished 1-1.

After the match, Guardiola was somewhat regretful. He said the team had lacked a bit of luck that day, but remained full of confidence about the future.

Arsenal had it even worse. Away at Stoke City, they were beaten 1-0 by a side that had fought relegation last season, suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

The fire Wenger had only just rekindled in his heart was doused cold.

This round, aside from Liverpool, Manchester United drew the most attention.

Mourinho's side travelled to Swansea in Wales and once again swept aside their opponents 4-0, displaying overwhelming dominance at both ends of the pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, finding the net for a second straight round with astonishing efficiency.

Pogba and Sanchez each scored one as well.

This season's Manchester United truly seemed poised for a powerful resurgence.

The date was August 24.

Monaco, Grimaldi Conference Center.

The 2017-18 UEFA Champions League group-stage draw ceremony was being held there that evening.

When Chen Anno entered the hall in a dark suit alongside several teammates, the cameras almost immediately swung toward him.

A crowd of familiar faces filled the entire conference hall.

Under the guidance of