Dine and Dash – The Lessons From Skipping

Going through the bins behind a supermarket might not be the traditional way of doing the weekly shop, but after three men were arrested for ‘skipping’ from bins behind an Iceland in North London questions certainly need to be asked.

No, not a criminal prosecution of the aforementioned men, but of the supermarkets themselves.

To say there is a global food shortage is a misnomer, as certain parts of the world have plenty to eat, but there is certainly a disparity in global food supply.

However, while people starve in across the world supermarkets in the UK are throwing away thousands of tonnes of perfectly good food every week.

So while the Crown Prosecution Service may have decided not to press charges against the ‘Iceland Three’ perhaps we should all be disappointed the supermarkets will avoid the inevitable media exposure the trial would bring.

There are many faults in the way food is distributed and purchased in the UK and across the developed world and it is staggering to think the major high street supermarkets can dispose of so much of their product and still turn a substantial profit.

Would a similarly positioned clothes retailor simply throw out unsold stock?

No, at the very worst it remaining stock would be put on sale or sold at TK Maxx, but then again the majority of retailors do not have to deal with those pesky sell-by and use-by dates and it this is a central part of the problem.

Sell-by dates are unquestionably an important part of food retailing and essential for supermarkets.

The fallout from a food-poisoning scare traced back to a supermarket could be colossal.

However, to protect themselves against this sell-by dates are overly cautious and often the food is perfectly good for consumption days and even weeks after what is printed on the label.

Unfortunately, because of these arbitrary limits any food still on display after the sell-by date is simply thrown away, with no regard for whether or not it is actually fit for consumption.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are a prime example of this.

Anyone who have ever bought fruit from a supermarket ‘Reduced to Clear’ section knows it is often not only not past its sell-by date, but often not even ripe.

Any regular scavengers of the ‘Reduced to Clear’ section will also know not all produce going out of date on a particular day ever makes its way to this discounted section, begging the question why supermarkets would rather throw food away than sell it at a reduced price.

And can someone explain to me why there is always cheese on reduced to clear? Cheese is basically mould anyway and certainly does not need a strict best-before date.

It is unclear what exactly needs to be done about this problem.

Supermarkets certainly need to display a use-by date on food to protect themselves and nobody can blame them, particularly when it comes to meat products and poultry in particular.

However, a bit of common sense certainly needs to be applied both in terms of the dates actually placed on packaging and the disposal of foods which are clearly not passed its best.

This, combined with the ridiculous demand for standardised vegetables (I really don’t care if the cucumber is not perfectly straight and since when have you been able to grow potatoes all the same size) would go a long way to reducing the UKs demand for food and so increasing the global supply.

So what could be done?

Well for starters better training of supermarket employees so a sensible decision can be reached on whether or not food is fit for consumption would drastically reduce the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables throw-away from supermarket shelves.

Secondly, a more sensible approach to foods which do not need a sell by date, such as frozen goods, cheese and processed foods which are not going to go off in the same way as fresh ones.

Thirdly, an investigation involving the major food retailers, farmers and DEFRA to establish the optimal times to harvest crops, so unripe foods are not sold before they are ready, and a wider study into the use of sell-by and use-by dates on meat and poultry.

Lastly, a sensible plan about what to do with food which would otherwise be disposed of, because it is not right it is simply thrown in a skip rather than being used to help those who cannot afford to put food on the table.

Unfortunately, because the Iceland ‘skipping’ case will now not go to court the supermarkets will not have to answer these perfectly reasonable questions as part of a national debate and so will continue to throw away tens of thousands of tonnes of perfectly good food while a billion people worldwide go hungry.

Free Speech – The Cost Of Talking

2011 Protests in London, UK

Image Copyright (c) Garry Knight

Home Secretary Theresa May is under pressure this week to stop a protest in London by a far-right group. No, not the English Defence League or even the British National Party, but Jobbik.

The Hungarian political party, described by some as the most powerful fascist group in Europe, is set to hold the march in April and it is believed it will also be attended by members of the Greek Golden Dawn movement and the British National Party.

Objection to the demonstration is understandable, particularly when you consider Jobbik’s foreign affairs spokesman called for a tally of the number of Jews in the Hungary on the grounds of national security, while one of the party’s MEPs was suspended after it was found he was of Jewish origin.

However, this protest is not about immigration, Islam or Judaism, but about democracy.

It was triggered when the Hungarian government decided to deny its overseas citizens postal votes.

This leads to an interesting question about the cost of free speech.

While many people find Jobbik’s particular brand of politics rather distasteful, the denial of a democratic vote is just as, or even more, disturbing.

Western governments, for want of a better collective term, praised the protesters during the Arab Spring for demanding democracy in countries long-troubled by military juntas and inherited dictatorships.

So surely, regardless of the organising party’s beliefs, we should be encouraging a group intent on delivering fair voting in a country with a history of authoritarian government?

Regulation of free speech is always a tricky issue.

Being able to say what you believe is a central pillar of a civilised, democratic society, but there will always be people who have opinions objectionable to the majority.

The BNP is a classic example of this.

There were significant objections to the appearance of party leader Nick Griffin on BBCs Question Time in 2009.

However, the protestor’s standpoint on Mr Griffin was in fact the beneficiary of his appearance, after his views were systematically taken apart by the shows panel and audience.

There is of course the fear the Jobbik march will in fact become a political rally, an attempt to garner votes in the upcoming elections, but it is hard to criticise them for this when the peoples power as voters is being denied.

So where exactly do you draw the line here.

It is hard to imagine there would be calls to ban this protest if it was being organised by a moderate Hungarian party, but just because it is an extremist group it suddenly does not matter they are standing up for democracy.

This is, unfortunately, one of those lose-lose situations where by banning the protest you oppose free and fair democracy, but if you support it you run the risk of unwittingly backing an extremist party.

Another similar issue which has arisen is the request of Chief Constables to use water cannon as Police fear an increase in street protests relating to austerity measures.

While nobody wants to see violent protests, or worse still rioting, it is still a basic right of people in a free society to protest about things they do not like.

Just because the government at the time does not agree with them should in these situations count for nothing, including suppressing protests with the use of kettling and water cannon.

The major issue here is if you support free speech, as all rational people do, you have to support it for everyone, not just the people who agree with you.

Any deviation from this results in the exact opposite of what freedom of speech is about.

Negotiating these problems is the ultimate political tight-rope-walk. On one side is the majority of normal, moderate people who understandably do not want extremist minority views voiced and on the other the extremists who have just as much right as everyone else to hold and express their opinions.

This problem is best demonstrated with the calls to ban the Jobbik march. Yes, many view them as fascists, but they are protesting about the suppression of basic democratic principles.

In the end this comes down to the famous Evelyn Beatrice-Hall quote.

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”

Politicians and the Public – Leading By Example

Demonstrating leadership can be a difficult thing, as all too often leaders become passengers as events unfold on the world stage and on the public’s televisions, but should we be expecting more from them in the modern age?

Gone are the days of Kings leading troops into battle, however, at a time when politicians are being forced to make unpopular decisions, both in terms of budgeting and reform, demonstrating this level of moral authority is not only desirable, but vital.

There are certainly many examples of the public calling for this over the last decade and in particular since the introduction of online petitions.

More specifically, two examples stand out over the course of this government.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith, in defence of his welfare payment cuts, claimed he could, if needed, live on £53 a week leading to an online petition asking him to prove it.

Secondly, following his attempted reforms of the school system, Education Secretary Michael Gove was challenged to work in a state secondary school.

Both of these, at least on one level, have some legitimacy.

Should not Mr Duncan-Smith learn how hard it is for the other half to make ends meet?

How can Mr Gove legislate on schools when the last time he was in a classroom was at Oxford University before starting his career in journalism?

However, the fact is the petitioners on both these issues never expected IDS to start making fortnightly trips to the Job Centre, or Mr Gove to start marking homework during committee hearings.

What was wanted in both these situations was the issue itself and petitions were used as a tool to draw 

attention to the policies.

However, in the last few days another similar, although arguably more divisive, issue has arisen where true leadership would be welcome.

On Monday Prime Minister David Cameron offered local authorities a quid pro quo arrangement, whereby the council agree to allow fracking in their ward in exchange for keeping 100 percent of the business rates.

Although this style of arrangement is not unheard of (Alaskan residents, for example, get a dividend from oil companies who drill in the US state), it has proved controversial as it comes at a time when the same local authorities are being forced to find massive savings, calling into question the motivation of any council who agrees.

Mr Cameron is a vocal supporter of fracking and, if his arguments are to be believed, this fuel source could cut energy bills, provide jobs and boost the economy.

So if he truly believes this then why would he not sign the planning orders allowing fracking firms to build a plant in his Witney constituency in Oxfordshire?

Similarly, Chancellor George Osborne is a fan of this new power source and yet his Tatton constituency, right in the heart of a shale gas goldmine in Cheshire, remains unfracked.

There are obviously reasons for this.

Tatton council, for example, is openly opposed to any fracking in the constituency, while in other areas the public (otherwise known as the voters) are yet to be convinced about the benefits.

But in itself this causes a problem.

Winston Churchill said “The nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground”, in other words leaders by their nature must lead by example, not a Ledru-Rollinesque French revolutionary.

Mediocre politicians, including the current crop of party leaders, let their policies be dictated by what they believe the public wants or what opinion polls told them.

However, compare this approach to Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, two politicians who were regularly criticised for going it alone without looking for a consensus.

Regardless of your opinions of Mr Blair or Mrs Thatcher, both were true political lions, leaders in the modern age when too many politicians seem happier to follow, although it is worth noting both had substantial parliamentary majorities during their respective tenures at Number 10.

This is not to say politicians should not listen to the voters, but the fact is public opinion is not always right, often contradictory and regularly unrealistic.

An all too often used political analogy is campaign in poetry, govern in prose, meaning getting elected is about setting out your vision, being in power is about getting the job done.

President Kennedy is credited with creating the mass media politician, where candidates must speak eloquently and look good while doing it, but the reason he is still revered was his ability to unite the country behind his [poetical] vision.

We are arguably living during what could be seen as a significant epoch in human history, a time when the role of capitalism and government are being questioned, but unfortunately we are also living during a time when many countries worldwide also lack a political leader with the skills and conviction to carry through their beliefs.

What make this especially frustrating is this is a time when there is a clear opportunity to significantly alter the way things are done.

So with this idea in mind let us look back at the examples stated earlier.

Would Mr Duncan-Smith not have an easier time selling welfare cuts if he was to prove living on £53 a week was possible rather than just making claims in front of a television camera?

Would Mr Gove not be better placed to reform the education system if he spent significant amounts of time in schools and with teachers and saw what pressures they were under?

Would Mr Cameron not be seen as a stronger leader if he took an unpopular position and allowed fracking in Whitney?

Maybe all of the current occupants in the House of Commons should take note of what a man who unwittingly had history trust upon him said, President Harry Truman.

“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Games of Two Halves – Premiership Season So Far

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 10^th to 16^th) 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 17^th 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)

Vincent Tan. People like him should not be allowed to run football teams