Bookies will have a host of new clients this season in the English Premier League as the number of contenders has multiplied for the first time in years. After just ten rounds, there are only six points separating first and seventh place in the table. Of those seven teams each one has already lost, not to mention, Manchester United sit uncharacteristically in eight place. What does all this mean for English football fans? Well, for starters this new scenario gives fans a fresh breathe of hope and optimism. This season the title might finally go to a team like Spurs, who last won in the 60s, or an Arsenal side, who look to end an eight year title drought, or a Liverpool team that wants to return to its glory days and oust the Red Devils as the most decorated club in the league. However, the most alarming component to each of the top teams are the exposed weaknesses. Therefore, no matter how excited fans get, there will be many fans left with their hopes up come the 38th round of the season. Here's a breakdown of what each team is doing right, wrong and what needs to be done for them to lift the league trophy this season. Current leaders Arsenal have great depth in their midfield as Mesut Ozil and, back from injury, Santi Carzola look in-sync. The pair have all the means to lay the ball off to in-form strikers Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud. However, the Gunners' starting 11 is really all they have going for them. If they want to finally make Arsene Wenger look like he still belongs they will have to bring in players to widen the team roster. Injuries and the pressures of the Champions League might wear them down, but for once Arsenal fans can be happy their team spent money to strengthen the squad. The January transfer window will be crucial for them to go all the way. Currently sitting in second, Chelsea F.C., are a rejuvinated side under the 'Special One' himself Jose Mourinho. They are playing tight leaving opponents with little space while they pressure down sides into submission. However, their weakness came to the forefront this round as Newcastle knocked them off their mantle with a 2-0 loss. The Blues have so many big name strikers, but each one of them has only netted in one goal so far. There's an all too rusty Fernando Torres, out of his prime Samuel Eto'o, benched for no reason Juan Mata and a still adjusting Andre Schurlle. In order for Chelsea to be back on top, Mourinho needs to channel his charisma and get his strikers finding the net more frequently. Next up, the men from the Kop, Liverpool F.C., are finally looking more like a side that can challenge for dominance once again. Manager Brendan Rodgers should be ecstatic that his two strikers Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are understanding each other perfectly with a combined 14 goals. However, I'm not sure they have a solid enough midfield to close down the other top tier clubs in the league. For example, Liverpool looked out of shape and unable to reorganize themselves during their 2-0 loss to Arsenal this week. Therefore, Rodgers needs to find the right tactical formation, so his mids, Stevie G and Lucas, can connect with the S&S duo up top. Now, lets travel back to the capital London to find a Tottenham Hotspurs side that is over 80 million Euros richer. The big payoff from the Gareth Bale transfer to Real Madrid has brought in top talent like striker Roberto Soldado and playmaker Andros Townsend. Along with the two, their key this season is the defense as Jan Vertonghen and captain Michael Dawson lead the back line with an attacking prowess. However, if Spurs want to jump past all the other big spenders, and end over 50 years of waiting, they will need to get Soldado to score more than just penalty kicks. Speaking of big spenders, Manchester City look hungry once again as new coach Manuel Pellegrini looks to be the right man to whip up all the expensive talent into shape. The Chilean's expertise, having managed Real Madrid and Malaga, has instilled new life in Sergio Aguero and the other Spanish speaking superstars. Having benched England's number one Joe Hart, the manager proved he has the balls to do what's needed for all the talent to stay disciplined. Still, the biggest concern for the blue side of Manchester is whether or not their Champions League aspirations might get the better of them as they have a tendency to drop points mid season to mid table clubs. Finding the right balance between competitions and player rotation will be the key for the men in sky blue. Finally, sticking to an all too reoccurring history the two remaining sides, Southampton and Everton, will realistically only be fighting for Champions League football next season. They both show a good fight, but they just don't have the financial power right now to hold on until the end though they will and are forces to be reckoned with. With all these teams vying for the number one spot, I need to include one asterisk that is Manchester United. Even though, many doubt David Moyes has the sensei powers of Sir Alex to get the team consistently scrapping up three points, the great one is still there behind that scenes and rest assured he's still pulling some strings. It's all too early to say who is the favorite after only 10 rounds, but the odds will definitely keep putting out new favorites after each round. My guess is Arsenal will win it. Actually no Man United will pull ahead. Wait, Chelsea just might, but Man City are looking good. You know what Spurs can, but lets just see what happens.
No comments:
Post a Comment