The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links for Friday, November 20

Hi, all!

It turns out that Angel City founding investor Jennifer Garner doesn’t know what a goal is.

Ramble of the Day

As a New Yorker, I have run into the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree many times. I have no particular opinion on it, or the celebration around it, perhaps outside of the climate-related implications of chopping down trees annually. I had no reason to anticipate different feelings this year, but 2020’s brand is different; 11 months into the year, I should know better. This year, when I saw a picture of the tree rolling into Rockefeller Center, I have to admit that I took an instant liking to it.

There is an official explanation for the tree’s current appearance, per a spokesperson for Rockefeller Center: “When it’s unwrapped and first put up, the branches don’t immediately all snap back into place, and those are the photos you’re seeing. It takes a while before it fully settles.” I share that out of an obligation to the full picture, but I do not care for that information.

Like I said, I have developed a true fondness for the tree in its current state. Its imperfectness is refreshing, but ultimately, that imperfect look makes it relatable on a level I find deeply comforting. I don’t even care that its appearance is temporary, though I’d probably love it more if it continued to look like that. Its flaws are innocent, and that to me is completely endearing.

Might I forget this feeling in a moment, distracted by something else completely? More likely than not. In fact, I may never feel this feeling again. If 2020 is just in the business of throwing monkey wrenches into plan after plan, I will take this monkey wrench. It may be a very low risk scenario, but I always try my best to accept the imperfect. I do not just accept this tree; I fully embrace it.

tl;dr: I find the imperfect Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comforting.

Stay informed, read this: Brett Anderson on Native Americans rejecting the myth of Thanksgiving for The New York Times

Links of the Day

Multiple Inter Miami players tested positive for COVID-19.

MLS laid off 20% of its staff, citing financial difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Matt Beard left his role as West Ham manager after two years.

FIFA is proposing protections for female footballers during and after pregnancy, which could get approved by the FIFA Council next month.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola signed a contract extension until 2023.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny will face a disciplinary hearing after showing players an anti-England video ahead of the team’s match against England last week.

A longer read: Jonathan Liew on the Mail on Sunday’s attack on Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, a “sinister” attempt to knock down a young Black footballer making a difference for The Guardian