The Premier League is more then 10 games in, meaning the race is starting to take shape. Despite a few small surprises, (cough Liverpool cough) everything is pretty much shaping up the way we could have expected. The big four are winning, the minnows are drowning, and Hull City faithful are calling for Phil Brown’s head. Although the league could be turned upside down by round 38, let’s take a look at what we might know thus far. I’ve sorted the teams into different groups, or tiers if you may, for easier examination.
The Real Deal:
Chelsea – Currently leading the league, the Blues are in great shape. It seems Carlo Ancelloti is keeping everyone happy at Stamford Bridge, reminiscent of the Jose Mourinho days. Drogba (9 goals in 11 matches) is playing fantastic, and it’s nice to see Deco working his way back into the squad. Can it last? Possibly, but with so many stars in the locker room, a conflict, or break down seems somewhat inevitable.
Arsenal – How much of a difference can one acquisition make? Writing ‘Thomas Vermaelen’ on this exam question would be fully acceptable, as it translates into, ‘a shocking amount’. The gunners looked weak, and frail defensively before the arrival Vermaelen. Now, not only are they scoring and playing the beautiful game, but they are gutting out matches, out-working, and out-muscling teams. The 3-0 thumping of London rivals Tottenham was a huge push toward further challenging for the title. Arsenal are back, and they are for real.
Manchester United – Tough to say too much about United right now. If Dimitar Berbatov ever broke a sweat, United might be well out in front of the pack. Rooney has been an absolute terror to opposing teams, but I can’t seem to figure out where the other goals are going to come from when Rooney cools down. Despite this, if there is one thing I’ve learned from following the EPL, it’s don’t ever bet against Sir Alex, the man’s a genius.
Manchester City – Money talks. The huge money summer moves have paid off for City. Despite not having their Brazilian boy Robinho for what seems like since the Clinton administration, the club has been winning, and winning big. The highlight of the season is a stunning 4-2 victory over Arsenal, capped by a controversial Adebayor celebration toward his old club and its supporters. Currently 4th in the table with a game in hand, City has made a legitimate claim as a title contender.
Possible Party Crashers:
Liverpool – The Reds just can’t seem to figure out who they are. Beat Manchester United in an epic clash; lose to Fulham at Craven Cottage, who knows what they’ll do next. I don’t have to tell any ‘pool fans this, but they need Gerrard and Torres back to full fitness, and fast. Rafa Benitez looks a little more nervous with each loss. And for good reason, the manager will likely be on his way out if the ship isn’t righted, but if it is, the Reds are still contenders.
Aston Villa – Quietly, the Villain’s are looking pretty darn good. The win over Chelsea three weeks ago was the ‘last year was not a fluke, we are actually a good team’ game. True, their lack of goals, only 13 in 11 fixtures, is troubling, but they are still playing great soccer. I admit I am a huge Ashley Young fan, the kid is just awesome. And something about losing Gareth Barry to City has me thinking they are playing angry, and aggressive. Don’t be surprised if they snatch a top 4 finish.
Fulham – …Wait? Really? Fulham? 11th in the table currently and a loss to Wolves, that Fulham? It could sound crazy, but the Cottagers are good. Bobby Zamora is playing like some version of Adriano pre-meltdown, and Clint Dempsey is scoring, creating, and looking like the best American soccer player anywhere in the world. An exciting draw with Man City and the unexpected win over Liverpool are signs that the club is high in talent and confidence. Top 6 finish, quote me on it.
Faking it:
Tottenham – I watched the Arsenal – Spurs game with a friend of mine, a spurs fan. He was confident going into the game, referencing the return of Gomez in goal, and Peter Crouch’s exciting goal scoring form. After the game, a 3-0 loss, he couldn’t say anything, because as he later told me, he knew how crushing this result was. This was the chance to beat a big four team, a chance to rise past the season after season of mid table results. But they didn’t take the chance, and they won’t be anything better then a 6th place club. Oh, and they lost to Stoke City, enough said.
Sunderland – Darren Bent might be one of the feel good stories of the year. Having been shipped around all over England, he is hitting his stride at the Stadium of Light. His play has almost assured him a spot in Fabio Capello’s squad next summer. The supporting cast just doesn’t seem to be skilled enough to compete though. Lorik Cana is too unpredictable, Kieran Richardson isn’t half as bad as he looked on United, which still isn’t that great, and Kenwyne Jones isn’t good for another 5 goals the entire campaign. Look for a slow, steady collapse, and a mid-table finish.
Everton – Tim Howard has had his work cut out for him. The American keeper and his club are struggling to compete despite being lauded before the season as a possible top 5 finisher. The attack is just not potent enough, Saha, Yakubu, and Jo are all the same type of striker, and none of them are reliable enough to lead a team. I don’t think Everton are bad, but I just don’t think they have the chemistry to challenge at the top.
Sorry, No Chance:
Burnley – The new boys are having some success, but I can’t see it continuing much longer. They’ll keep working hard, but eventually the long winter will take its toll, and their inferior skill will overcome their will to win.
Stoke City – As mentioned earlier they beat Tottenham. Their defense isn’t bad, Shawcross in particular has been a rock, but they just don’t score enough goals. Sorenson will help them hang around, but they will end up in the lower half of the table by next year.
Wigan Athletic – Somehow managed a shock defeat at Chelsea, but the excitement was short lived as they followed that up with a loss to Hull, and a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of lowly Portsmouth. I think they are a flash in the pan, good for an upset or two, nothing more.
Hanging on:
Birmingham City, Bolton, Wolverhampton, Blackburn, West Ham – In no particular order, these clubs are in trouble. West Ham might be the best of the bunch yet they sit 19th. At this point, any finish outside the relegation zone for these guys will be a victory.
Good as gone:
Hull City, Portsmouth – Sorry Jozy. The Tigers are in disarray. Phil Brown is likely on his way out, and if Geovanni realizes he’s way too skilled for such a poor team, he’ll turn in his transfer request in January. As for Pompey, the economy is killing what was once an exciting team. The club was recently sold, but there won’t be any drastic club changes any time soon.
So that’s how I see it. If you feel the need to argue, or agree, leave your comments below or shoot me an email, avogel@internationalsoccernetwork.com.
