Just when football gets really interesting the international break comes around. Here is a snapshot of how things are looking for various teams.
Man Utd have played quite poorly in the last 4 games or so. In fact in my opinion they have played quite poorly (by their standards) for most of the season, but have gotten away with it a) because of great defending and b) because of the mystique which surrounds the club. It has been said before, but they were better last year. They will probably still win the league, but I think that's only because Liverpool will drop more points between now and May. Silly Liverpool.
Speaking of Liverpool, they have been impressive, and yet I remain unconvinced. They are a bloody hard team to play against, but their 13 goals in 3 games is a tad misleading in terms of their attacking prowess. 4 of those have come from penalties, 2 have been assisted by Pepe Reina, 2 have come from free kicks, and 2 have been scored by Dossena. Gerrard appears to be getting praise from all quarters, but for me he really hasn't done anything special to justify titles like "best player in the league". All that said, Liverpool are in with a shout of winning the league. A win against Fulham is crucial, and I think they should manage it given that Fulham are now a team with basically nothing to play for. Everyone expected them to roll over for United and they didn't, but I have a sneaky feeling that they may roll over for Liverpool. We shall see...
Chelsea are no longer in the title race, and they lack the cutting edge to win the Champions League. Essien returing and Drogba running around will help them, but I just don't think it will help them enough. Can you really win things with Belletti in midfield? And if not him, Malouda?
Arsenal have done well recently, having been at one stage almost 8 points behind Villa to now 3 in front. When I posted a list of Villa's fixtures a few weeks ago it was easy to see this happening provided Arsenal got their act together, which they did. Arshavin has been an outstanding signing so far. His mere presence in the squad seems to have added something, not to mention his techinical ability and footballing intelligence. He will be missed in the Champions League, but the flip side of that is that he will be fresh for the Premier League, which will boost Arsenal's chances of lifting the trophy come May. (I'm joking. Wenger made the comment today that the title is still within in reach. It isn't.) However, as I said at the start of the season, Arsenal will have a large say in who does win the league. All 3 of the top 3 have to play the Gunners before season's end. It is on these games that the destination of the sislverware will hinge.
Aston Villa have just died a slow death. Starting two men with a combined height of about 25 feet against Liverpool kind of says it all. However, such height cannot cover up the lack of depth in the squad, and if they come back from this position they will be doing very well indeed. I still think they have a decent chance of finishing 4th. Arsenal have quite a few tricky games left, and so Villa are not without hope. If they can lose to United with dignity, and then beat West Ham and Everton (admittedly not that easy) they could find themselves within 6 or perhaps even 3 points of Arsenal. Given Villa's form this is unlikely, but the internation break should help them find a second wind or something. All I'm saying is don't write them off.
Man Utd have played quite poorly in the last 4 games or so. In fact in my opinion they have played quite poorly (by their standards) for most of the season, but have gotten away with it a) because of great defending and b) because of the mystique which surrounds the club. It has been said before, but they were better last year. They will probably still win the league, but I think that's only because Liverpool will drop more points between now and May. Silly Liverpool.
Speaking of Liverpool, they have been impressive, and yet I remain unconvinced. They are a bloody hard team to play against, but their 13 goals in 3 games is a tad misleading in terms of their attacking prowess. 4 of those have come from penalties, 2 have been assisted by Pepe Reina, 2 have come from free kicks, and 2 have been scored by Dossena. Gerrard appears to be getting praise from all quarters, but for me he really hasn't done anything special to justify titles like "best player in the league". All that said, Liverpool are in with a shout of winning the league. A win against Fulham is crucial, and I think they should manage it given that Fulham are now a team with basically nothing to play for. Everyone expected them to roll over for United and they didn't, but I have a sneaky feeling that they may roll over for Liverpool. We shall see...
Chelsea are no longer in the title race, and they lack the cutting edge to win the Champions League. Essien returing and Drogba running around will help them, but I just don't think it will help them enough. Can you really win things with Belletti in midfield? And if not him, Malouda?
Arsenal have done well recently, having been at one stage almost 8 points behind Villa to now 3 in front. When I posted a list of Villa's fixtures a few weeks ago it was easy to see this happening provided Arsenal got their act together, which they did. Arshavin has been an outstanding signing so far. His mere presence in the squad seems to have added something, not to mention his techinical ability and footballing intelligence. He will be missed in the Champions League, but the flip side of that is that he will be fresh for the Premier League, which will boost Arsenal's chances of lifting the trophy come May. (I'm joking. Wenger made the comment today that the title is still within in reach. It isn't.) However, as I said at the start of the season, Arsenal will have a large say in who does win the league. All 3 of the top 3 have to play the Gunners before season's end. It is on these games that the destination of the sislverware will hinge.
Aston Villa have just died a slow death. Starting two men with a combined height of about 25 feet against Liverpool kind of says it all. However, such height cannot cover up the lack of depth in the squad, and if they come back from this position they will be doing very well indeed. I still think they have a decent chance of finishing 4th. Arsenal have quite a few tricky games left, and so Villa are not without hope. If they can lose to United with dignity, and then beat West Ham and Everton (admittedly not that easy) they could find themselves within 6 or perhaps even 3 points of Arsenal. Given Villa's form this is unlikely, but the internation break should help them find a second wind or something. All I'm saying is don't write them off.
3 comments:
So... anything can happen then?
Pretty much, which is why I'm annoyed at the international break. That said, Chelsea won't win the league, so not quite anything can happen, but I don't there are a few more twists and turns before this season finishes...not to sound like a BBC analyst or anything...
"i don't" should be "I do think". Now how did that happen?
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