Premier League Trophy ... Any Takers?
November 22nd 2010 16:32
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
This trophy, given to the winner of the English Premier League each May, is up for grabs for any team that fancy taking up home. It seems that the once sought after piece of Silverware, is now the least wanted commodity around, with all of the Premier League's big guns, doing everything they can to avoid making it their's. No-one wants the Premier League Title this season, but one team, unfortunately, have to win it. But after the incredible amount of unpredictability in recent weeks, who are now the team, in pole position?
Well, Chelsea are still in top spot. After ten league games, Carlo Ancelotti's men looked an easy bet to be Champions for a second year in a row. Eight wins out of ten, a five point cushion, and a settled and happy camp. How quickly things can change in football!
Three losses in their last four Premier League matches. Back-to-back league defeats for the first time in nearly five years. Scored only one goal in those last four games. And most peculiar, the sacking of Assistant manager, and club legend, Ray Wilkins, at half time of a reserve match, then replacing him with an unknown Nigerian coach. Ancelotti has made it clear in recent days he is not in complete control of the club, and is 'coach, not manager'. Following the 1-0 loss at Birmingham at the weekend, it is clear things aren't quite right at Stamford Bridge.
Level on points, but behind Chelsea on goal difference, are Manchester United. Ferguson's men have something that no other team in England have ... the knack of winning when they play badly. The amount of times this season I have heard 'Man U are playing terribly', and they have been. I haven't once been impressed by them this season. Yet, look where they are, joint top!
It just makes me think, that now with Wayne Rooney back, is there a lot more to come from United? Chelsea had their good spell at the start of the season, and United are level with them despite playing poor football. If they now find form, they could potentially be run away champions. The problem is though, I don't think they have another gear. Yes, Rooney will of course add a new dimension if he's on form. But their squad, pure and simply, isn't that good. I'd go as far as saying this is Manchester United's worst squad that I can remember, but it has potential, but maybe not this season. Having said that, just because of them being able to get three points, no matter what, they have a chance for the title.
I cannot actually imagine how frustrated Arsene Wenger must be. Chelsea and Manchester United are failing to impress, and Arsenal now arguably, have a stronger squad than the pair. This weekend, the Gunners would have gone top if they beat North London rivals Tottenham, having picked up an impressive win at Everton the week before. 2-0 up at half time, Arsenal's ever promising side had everyone believing they could be Champions ...
The full time result was a 3-2 loss for Arsenal, their third home defeat of the season. They missed the chance to go top, and you could argue they should be five points clear by now. I still feel their defence isn't strong enough to win the league, Fabianski in net and Squallaci and Kosceilny don't fill me with great confidence. Attacking wise, they are unstoppable at times, and Fabregas is genuine world class. Still, I just can not decide if they can win the title or not, but given the openness of the title race, I suppose no body can be ruled out.
Manchester City's 4-1 win this weekend moved them just three points off the summit. This proved one thing to me once again, City are title contenders, but only when Tevez is in form. I still believe over the course of the season, they are not strong enough, and don't really seem to have a plan B. It is a fantastic opportunity for a team outside Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal to win the Premier League, for the first time since 1995, and only the second time ever. Manchester City are the most likely team to break that dominance, but need to become more consistent, and more attacking.
After the incredible comeback, 3-2 win at Arsenal, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told anyone that would listen, that his side are in the title race. Spurs are six points off the top, but given all of the top four have dropped six points in the last month, it is hard to argue with him. I honestly think that Tottenham have the best squad in the Premier League. Just a look at their bench for every match backs this point up.
But what they lack, is a couple of world-class stars. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have about five world-class players. Tottenham have Bale and Van der Vaart. A couple of signings from Harry in January, and who knows if they could have a say in the hunt. Given the size of his squad, there are players to be sold to raise funds. A move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been mooted, and that would make a big difference. The squad Redknapp is building is top class, and while I think they will come up just short this season, Tottenham are definitely a team that will be challenging for silverware in the coming years!
If I had to put my money on someone, it would still be Chelsea. There are obvious problems at the club, but they look like the most likely Champions to me. Manchester United will be the main challengers, because they have Champions mentality, but maybe not the quality.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are all good enough to win the league, and one of them could pounce if the big two slip up. The longer this unpredictability at the top continues, the more these three come into contention. After all, the five clubs are separated by just six points. And let's not forget Bolton, who also sit just six points from top. The way things are going right now, there are probably twenty teams in the title hunt!
| 47 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
