Life as we love it has resumed. Finally we can wake up to the irreplaceable sound of those English commentators who, as one passionate pundit put it, have an uncanny ability to calm the soul and prepare you for a beautiful game of football. The Premier League is here, all the goals, the drama, the cards, and yes, those moments that take your breath away. Every new season has its fresh controversy, its talking points and opinions, but I will stick out my head and bargain that never has there been a more intriguing plot to this Cinderella story. Which team will fit the bill, which player is willing to go that extra mile, which manager is prepared to sacrifice mind and soul to mastermind that winning formula? My very being tingles at the prospect of what awaits us, drama, oh yes, this is the beautiful game.
Ever heard of humpty dumpty sitting on the wall, well that is me right about now. Cowardice I know, but if you can tell me who will win the league then come pick me up when I fall and crack into pieces. There are a myriad of factors that can tilt the destination of the title this year; tactics, mind games, home form, away form, injuries, or money, money and more money. Never have five teams confidently nominated themselves as genuine title contenders, much less, all of those teams having genuine justifications for those ambitions.
What about those European places, mid-table, how about relegation? There are so many talented teams, influential players, and underlying dreams; this will all come to naught. One thing this unforgiving league has taught us over the years is that it is friend to none, enemy to all, and only those strong of spirit will last its course. The test of these teams is consistency, an ambition to leave your heart out on that field every time you step on, then go home and dream about the next match, live it, breathe it, and most importantly embrace it. Let’s look at these ‘genuine title contenders’ one by one. When we are done I’ll be seeing you on that wall right beside me.
It is fitting to start with the three time defending champions, Manchester United. Unusual even for the Scot, he has started his mind games pretty early. Sir Alex has increased the credentials of my claims; he is almost concerned about his team’s dominance. Just look back at his face after that unfortunate loss to Chelsea in the Community Shield; he did not look that glum even after his side were schooled by the Catalans, but why is this? >
Manchester United has an uncanny ability to adapt, reorganize and come back strong. With the additions of Michael Owen, Luis Antonio Valencia, and Gabriel Obertain there is a change coming at the Theatre of Dreams, but even the most fervent and consistent supporter is a bit worried. There will be an emphasized reliance on the youth at this club, no world players or pit bulls, for gone are the days of CR7 and CT32. However, kudos to the person that bets against the footballing genius of one Sir Alex Ferguson, they will be the first humpty to have a great fall.
Liverpool is so close, yet so far. I would say, if Stevie G and Fernando Torres could stay fit for an entire season, as well as, play every game the men from Merseyside could well lift the treble. But hey, I said to dream about your next match, not live in the dream. Despite this, Liverpool increased their credentials as title hopefuls last year so who is to doubt them now? If they can keep their key players fit and Rafa’s rants to a premium, they may well be lifting the trophy come May.
Arguably the most consistent team over the past couple years, Chelsea have become a recognized European powerhouse. If I were a Stamford Bridge faithful, I would demand health insurance! Never have I seen a team more capable of heartbreak when it really matters. Take your pick; Moscow, one penalty kick away, heartbreak…London, one second away from consecutive Champions League Final appearances, heartbreak! This team’s resilience has shone through however, and the gut wrenching pain of failure, coupled with a tactical genius in Carlo Ancelloti may just be the cure for the Londoners.
The Gunners have consistently run out of ammunition. Four years without a trophy is far too long for Arsene Wenger and I feel the gauntlet may well come down on his sparkling Arsenal tenure if he makes it a fifth year. This team, along with Barcelona, play the most beautiful football anyone could hope to see, but they have failed to convert this into trophies like their Spanish counterparts have. If there was one ingredient a lowly football lover like me could suggest to The Professor, it would be experience. In my opinion, Arsenal is like a fine wine being served in a plastic cup, just package it right and the possibilities are endless.
Now to the money, money, and more money segment, yes I had to leave them for last. Manchester City has spent the better of 90 million pounds this summer on five players, only Real Madrid’s disparaging spending has overshadowed them. They have two squads that are capable of competing for top 6 places in the league; the test of this team will be to manage these huge egos. With a manager in Mark Hughes who is treading in unfamiliar waters when it comes to man management of the rich and very rich, the success of their season will depend on how much these players want to win, versus who is being paid more. However, I have seen stranger things in my time, so look out for a surge, a new bully is in town, Manchester who?
Drama awaits us at every turn; I’ll see you on the wall!!!!!
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