With 19 games played and 19 to go it seems an appropriate
time to take stock and take a look back over the first half of the season,
before the January transfer window takes over all the sporting headlines for a
month.
So who has done good, who couldn’t hit a cows arse with a
banjo and which teams will end up making up the important top-four and
bottom-three places?
Arsenal
There are few superlatives yet to be used to describe the
season an Ozil and Ramsey inspired Gunners are having. After an opening day
shocker against Aston Villa (how long ago that seems now), Arsene Wenger’s
Arsenal have been pretty dominant and sit atop the Premiership table as we head
towards 2014.
Worries remain about the squad quality and depth, especially
if the aforementioned German and Welshman pick-up injuries or hit a run of bad
form, however, it is fair to say the red side of North London have as good a
chance as they have had in years to secure a trophy.
Mid-Term Report: A+
Starting to show the quality to back-up the hype
January: If they
are to make a serious push for the league title and Champions League, Mr Wenger
may be forced to pull out his chequebook out again in January. A quality
striker is certainly required, but adding any depth to the squad would
certainly be welcome, but will Bendtner finally leave?
Manchester City
As one of the pre-season title favourites, it is surprising
it has taken until Christmas for the blue side of Manchester to show themselves
as title contenders. However, the undoubted strength and standard of the squad
is starting to show itself.
At home they have been scoring for fun, netting six against
both North London teams and seven against Norwich. Despite all this doubts do
remain, particularly with regard to the team’s away form, which has been
sporadic to say the least (remember the game against Cardiff?), although this
has improved greatly during December.
Mid-Term Report: A
-
Improving all the time
January: You
expect Man City to buy in January, but the question is where. They are well
catered across the field, but it will be interesting to see if Manuel Pellegrini
decides to bring in a quality goalkeeper to replace the resurgent Joe Hart. The
transfer window may be a question of who heads for the exit.
Chelsea
The return of ‘The Special One’ has not been as special as
his last stint, but two points off first-place certainly keeps them in the
running. However, all is not well at Stamford Bridge. Like many teams this
season, a lack of form has been the most troubling aspect for the Blues,
although the absence of a striker is certainly a major cause of this.
Fernando Torres is still miss-firing, apart from a
high-octane 20 minutes at the start of the second half away at Tottenham which
saw him shown an eventual red card. New (albeit old) signing, Samuel Eto’o, is
yet to hit any form, while the senior members of the squad, in particular Frank
Lampard, are bringing to show the strain. Meanwhile Juan Mata (much to the
confusion of everyone else) is still struggling to get in the team.
Mid-Term Report: B-
Has so far lacked the killer edge, but somehow has been able
to keep up with the leaders
January: A
striker, a striker, my kingdom for a 20-goal-a-season striker.
Everton
While his predecessor in the hot-seat at the Toffees has
struggled with the demands of his new job, Roberto Martinez has taken to it
like the proverbial duck to water. Despite the loss of Marouane Fellanini,
Everton have been in great form, proving themselves to be one of the toughest
teams to beat in the league.
Even an injured Layton Baines, who may yet follow his former
boss to Manchester, has failed to stifle their efforts.
While many would still question the Merseysiders chances of
a top-four finish, a Europa League place is certainly more than a possibility,
but arguably the two most important questions this season, is there a future after
Moyes and the quality of Martinez, have both been answered.
Mid-Term Report: A
Pre-season doubts confounded and proved baseless
January: The
future of Baines will probably be the most important aspect of the transfer
window at Everton, as will the future of Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku.
Liverpool
Liverpool were on top of the table at Christmas and you
would certainly have got good odds on that at the start of the season, but
back-to-back defeats against title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea have seen
the Reds drop down to fifth. However, it would be unfair to judge the ‘pools
season on the last two games alone.
Few, if any, were tipping them for success in August and now
Champions League football is a real possibility next season. Louis Suarez has
confounded his vocal pre-season critics to arguably become the best player in
the league, while Daniel Sturridge, before he picked-up an injury, was getting
on the score sheet regularly.
A title push is not out of the question and might be worth a
flutter, but would certainly be a tall order, while the pre-season objective of
re-entering the top-four is certainly on the cards, particularly without the demands
of European football.
Mid-Term Report: A
Would be unfair to say they are over-performing, but are
taking their rightful place back at the top table
January: If
Brenden Rodgers continues to leave out Daniel Agger then a good central
defender is certainly going to be needed, with Liverpool leaking too many easy
goals at the back.
Manchester United
There were always questions over whether or not last season’s
champions could challenge again without the guiding hand of Sir Alex. After a
questionable start the Red Devil’s form has improved, although even recent wins
over Hull and Norwich have raised questions.
All that said, they are only eight points behind Arsenal
and, more importantly, just three behind current fourth-place team Everton. It
was always known it might take some time for David Moyes to find his feet and
get a weak United squad to play in a Ferguson inspired manner, but being in Europe’s
top club competition next season would certainly be seen as a successful first campaign.
Mid-Term Report: B
Much improved after slow start to a long-term project
January: For several seasons it has been suggested
United were over performing with a very weak squad. Fellanini’s arrival has not
been inspirational, while Robin van Persie’s injury has been very inconvenient.
Any quality additions to the squad would be welcome.
Tottenham Hotspur
The summer’s big-spenders, although the sale of Gareth Bale
balanced the books, have not had the season they were hoping for. New strikers
have failed to replace the goals the left-footed Welshman scored last season
and Roberto Soldado in particular seems to struggle from anywhere other than
the penalty spot.
All this, plus a thumping by Liverpool, resulted in Andre
Villas Boas being the highest placed manager this season to be shown the door,
although he was swiftly replaced by former Spurs-man Tim Sherwood. At the
moment a Europa League place next season would be seen as a success, but for
the financial outlay over the summer the team is yet to hit the heights
expected.
Mid-Term Report: C
Underperforming given previous reputation although results
have not always been disastrous
January: Given the
fact few of their summer signings have hit their stride it is hard to see where
Tottenham would be looking. The players are there, it is just a case of getting
them turning reputations into results.
Newcastle United
After a first-day dissection by Manchester City it looked
like the Magpies would be in for a long season and Alan Pardew would be a
manager facing the sack. However, in the way you would want your team to react,
Newcastle have started to show the talent of the 2011/12 squad.
Unfortunately, for those in the media, the expected Joe
Kinnear bust-up is yet to happen, but the former manager will have to be in top
negotiating form in January to bring in some new faces. It is hard to know
where Le Toon will end up at the end of the season, but they look more likely than
any other team to round off the top-eight.
Mid-Term Report: B
Like a good French cheese, it stinks at the start, but
tastes good in the end
January: Bringing
in quality is needed, but getting them may be easier said than done.
Southampton
The south coast team were in third place at one point this
season, although as we reach the halfway point their position has normalised
itself. However, no matter which way you look at it the Saints have had a great
season so far, a statement epitomised by England call-ups for Adam Lallana and
Jay Rodriguez.
However, for all the good work the big summer signings of
Daniel Osvaldo and Victor Wanyama have not really added much to the team. If
Southampton continue to pick-up points form the teams below them, as they have
so far this season, then they could be this seasons Swansea.
Mid-Term Report:
B+
Doing well, although the work over the summer looks to have
had little improvement
January: Questions
remain as to whether or not Southampton can attract the players they need, but
the biggest goal of the window will be holding onto the talent they currently
have.
Hull City
The highest placed of the newly promoted teams and the only one
to still have their original manager still in charge. Although they have not
set the division on fire this season, they have done what every promoted team
needs to do and quietly and calmly pick-up points.
Most of the team’s headlines have been off the pitch with
protests against the sides chairman wanting to rebrand the team Hull City
Tigers, but, to the relief of Hull fans, this has not happened yet and has not affected
performances on the pitch.
Huddleston and Livermore have proven to be great signings,
and ones which Tottenham now may be regretting, but, as always with promotees, questions
over staying power are often raised in the second half of the season. All that
said, Hull have, without doubt, given themselves a great chance of staying up.
Mid-Term Report: A
Best of the new kids. Hopefully can keep up the good form
January: Almost certainly
no money to spend.
Swansea
The demands of Europa League football have had an effect on the
Swans as they have struggled to recreate last season’s early season form, which
eventually led them to a League Cup win.
To their credit they are comfortably mid-table, although drawing
to many home games, and through the group stages in Europe and set to face Rafa
Benitez’s Napoli. Even if this does prove to be the end of the Swans European adventure,
this and avoidance of the relegation dog-fight will be successful.
Mid-Term Report:
C+
Performing well given the extracurricular activities.
January: Brought
in quite a few players over the summer, but are still lacking that one
high-quality addition.
Stoke City
Ever since their opening day match against Liverpool it has
been obvious the Pullis days have gone. All that said Mark Hughes has not been
an absolute revelation, with the Potter’s twelfth place disguising the fact
they are only five points clear of the drop-zone.
Avoiding last terms nail-biting end-of-season finale will
have been the goal from the start and it is true they have not shown any sign
of falling into it yet, but they are still a little close for comfort.
Mid-Term Report:
C+
Much improved attitude on last year, but is yet to convert itself
into long term results.
January: Hughes
did not spend over the summer and if this was due to lack of funds then January
will not be more fruitful, however, any additions would be welcome.
Aston Villa
This time last year Villa were on an appalling run of form seeing
them concede 15 goals in just three games and, although this season has been
better, it has still seen pressure heaped on Paul Lambert as the inexperienced players
from last season look to improve.
Unfortunately for the Villa Park faithful results have been hard to come by and while
they have so far avoided being dragged into relegation they have been far from
convincing, leaving themselves as one of the clubs (from 10th to 16th)
who would see a couple of wins pull them away from the bottom three.
Mid-Term Report:
C-
Doing better, but not by much
January: Lambert
is not one for spending big on one player, but might need to buck this trend.
With Benteke not performing a striker is needed, but arguments could be made
across the side.
Norwich
It has been a very disappointing and frustrating season for
the boys in yellow. While at times the team has showed quality against the big sides,
most notably Chelsea at Carrow Road, unfortunately the word most commonly used
to describe them is toothless.
Summer signings Leroy Fer, Nathan Redmond and Gary Hooper
have all started to show some quality, while record signing Ricky van
Wolfswinkle has been plagued by injury and has just a solitary goal to his
name.
The most serious problem for the Canaries seems to be an inability
to beat teams around them and manager, team and fans will want to see
improvements made over the second half of the season.
Mid-Term Report: D
Good work over the summer has not transferred into better
results
January: With all
the money spent before the start of the season and the lack of return it is
hard to see who they would buy, but some quality defenders would be a start.
West Bromwich
Other than the loss of Lukaku, who returned to parent club
Chelsea after a successful season at The Hawthorns last season, it is hard to
put your finger on what exactly has gone wrong at West Brom. After years of
yo-yoing between the top-flight and second tier the Midlanders seemed to have
cemented their place mid-table before a string of bad results left them in
their current plight.
The sacking of Steve Clark was harsh, although not
unexpected, and no new manager has been appointed. You would back the Baggies
to avoid the drop, but it has been disappointing for a team who had improved so
much over the last few years.
Mid-Term Report: E
A lot of room for improvement
January: A
replacement for Lukaku is required
Cardiff
Like fellow new boys Hull, most of Cardiff’s headlines have
been made off the pitch with renegade chairman Vincent Tan issuing ultimatums
and threats before eventually sacking boss Malky Mackay in what will be seen as
one of the harshest departures in the often tumultuous history of Premiership
management.
Until the nonsense surrounding Mackay, Cardiff was having a
good season, including an unexpected win over Man City. However, many now think
the red shirted Bluebirds are destined for relegation.
Mid-Term Report: C
for the team and an F for Vincent Tan
January: According
to the chairman Mackay overspent in the summer so it is unlikely there will be
much money floating around.
Crystal Palace
After a dire start under the stewardship of Ian Holloway,
Tony Pullis seems to have steadied the ship, but the fact Palace was unprepared
for promotion is still showing. Under both managers there were some gutsy performances,
but the team have a bad habit of losing 1-0 rather than holding on to pick up a
draw.
The second half of the season, like Hull and Cardiff, will
be difficult due to a lack of squad depth and the extra demands put on teams by
the Premiership timetable and unfortunately Palace will both have to improve
their performances and hope other teams around them continue to perform badly
to get back-to-back seasons in the top flight.
Mid-Term Report:
B
Been doing better than expected (just) but needs to improve
quickly
January: Could be
interesting for Palace as the owners openly admit they were not prepared or
behind schedule in their dealings following the playoff win. Better players
required in all positions.
Fulham
Despite being one of the teams tipped to struggle this year,
most will be surprised just how bad the Cottagers have been at times, particularly
at home where they have only picked up two wins and one draw so far, compared
to three wins on the road where they usually struggle.
Martin Jol was shown the door and was replaced quickly, and
unsurprisingly, by Rene Meulensteen who has not really justified the appointment,
particularly based on the trashing by Hull, but Clint Dempsey returns on loan
in the New Year which should give them some much needed fire power.
Mid-Term Report:
E
New owner has not translated to investment in players or
results on pitch
January: With no
money invested by Shahid Khan over the summer you would expect some spending in
January, but the new chairman has been quiet on the subject
West Ham United
Out of the bottom six teams West Ham is the only one not to
have changed managers, although this could quickly change. Sam Allardyce (or
Allardychi as he proclaimed himself following his only successful
experimentation with a false number 9) is under serious pressure and results
need to improve if he is not to be the next manager axed.
A lot of this improvement may come down to the when’s, ifs
and how longs of Andy Carrols injury woes. What may hasten Allardyce’s
departure is the Hammers securing the rights to the Olympic stadium, a ground
that will require top-flight football to fill it.
Mid-Term Rating: E
Have lost the potential shown last season
January: A striker
is needed if Carroll is out, but with all the money spent on Downing and the
aforementioned long-haired gal scorer there might not be any available for the
quality required
Sunderland
It has been a very difficult season for the Black Cats, with
just one point before the departure of Paulo Di Canio. The replacement for the fiery
Italian, the equally divisive Gus Poyet, has been more successful, but being
bottom at Christmas usually means the bells are tolling.
However, just two points separate them from 17th
place Crystal Palace so it is not all over yet and if a team was able to pull
off a great escape Sunderland have put themselves in the right position to do
it.
Mid-Term Rating:
D
Very poor early on, but are getting better
January: A lot of
new faces joined over the summer, but were brought in by the previous gaffer.
There is very little cash available, but Poyet will want to put his own mark on
the team
Top of the Table
Doubts still remain about Arsenal, although the Gunners seem
determined to prove pundits wrong, while Manchester City continue to improve
and Chelsea deal with a serious striker shortage.
At the start of the season many believed the Mourinho factor
alone would bring the Blues another league title, but given how close the top
of the table is it is still anybody’s guess.
The top-four looks likely to be made up of Arsenal, Man City,
Chelsea and Liverpool, although United and Everton will be determined to prove
everyone wrong.
If I had to stick my neck out now I would change my
prediction from Chelsea to Manchester City.
Down at the Bottom
Expect Cardiff and Palace to drop into the relegation spots
as backroom upheaval (at Cardiff) and lack of quality on the pitch (at Palace)
combine with fatigue.
The third spot is harder to call. Sunderland will be
favourites for the drop, but have been showing more fight than West Ham or
Fulham which counts for a lot in the long run.
West Brom, Norwich, Villa and even Stoke could still be
dragged into the mess, but there are three worse teams than this in the league
and they would expect to stay up, although the fans and owners will expect
improved results from all of them.
Hull would still be an outside bet as the long, arduous
season starts to take its toll.
Team of the Season
(so far)
Arsenal, Southampton and Everton all make a good case here,
but it is also hard to look past Hull who have done a lot better than many were
predicting, especially with all the off-pitch distractions.
The second half of the season will be more difficult for
them, but have been the best of the promoted teams by a long way.
Underperformers of
the Season (so far)
Norwich. Spent big over the summer and were looking to push
on and cement their place as a stable mid-table team this season and have just
not been performing.
However, like many of the teams around them, a couple of
wins would make a huge difference to the season.
Hero of the Season
(so far)
Louis Suarez. After all the controversy he has come back as
an unstoppable force.
Villain of the Season
(so far)
