Although like Arsenal, food was on the mind of the player later christened by Alfredo di Stefano as the Galloping Gut: "Had we been offered the role of runners-up before the series started, we might have accepted gladly.
It shared with Morgan Stanley the role of "book runner" - the job of coordinating the offering; it was not the No. 2 underwriter.
Murray played the role of perennial runner-up.
Despite his late entry into the race, Mr. Lautenberg quickly assumed the role of front-runner.
The Nets paved the path for the Knicks to assume the role of front-runners for Anthony's services.
Indeed, Mr. Romney has competed for the role of front-runner since the campaign came alive this summer.
Perez has consolidated support from much of the Democratic establishment, and increasingly appears to have seized the role of front-runner.
He said Mr. McCain's biggest challenge would be assuming the role of front-runner rather than free-speaking insurgent or underdog.
Cruz seemed a bit uncomfortable in the role of front-runner among the attendees, and he and Rubio both struggled to explain their shifting positions on immigration.
Today he regards that all as a temporary setback that opened "a vacuum" in the race that allowed other candidates to "audition" for the role of front-runner.
