By Alpha Abu
Football pundits closely following the English or Barclays Premier League must be scratching their heads, obviously bemused at this season’s frenzy for the top four spots in the league table. In recent years, the battle has been largely for the ultimate prize, the title by the traditional frontrunners, namely Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. These teams, perhaps with the exception of United, harbour that same glorious ambition this season, with Liverpool daring to believe in themselves this season for the first time in a long time.
Half-way through this season's campaign and the top seven teams separated by just eight points, it is beginning to look like fighting for and securing a champions league spot other than the title will be a worthy feat and not a consolation for any of the front runners. Clearly it is one of the most tightly-contested seasons in the history of Barclays Premier Leagues. And at this stage, it is inconceivable to identify a clear cut favourite for the trophy especially amidst the seesaw affair in recent weeks with one team leading the pack today, as in the case of Liverpool and dropping to fifth the next day.
ARSENAL
The Gunners, at the summit of the campaign, have demonstrated great ambition thus far following their opening home defeat against Aston Villa and the subsequent signing of the former Real Madrid midfield maestro Mesut Ozil. Their football has been very combative. Arsenal fans are hungry and perhaps even desperate for a trophy. After almost ten years since they last won any silverware you can understand why.
Ozil’s coming the Emirates has been a game-changer and a phenomenon. His concise passes have contributed to most of their goals and the German has established himself as one of the best midfielders, if not the best, in the Premier League this season. Even the much maligned Giroud is hitting the back of the net, largely as a result of Ozil’s ingenuity.
The team is bubbling with confidence and one thing the players ought to be commended for is their great fighting spirit. In some games, like the one against Cardiff recently, one would have thought a draw would have been a fair result to their opponents, but Arsenal exhibiting a growing strong character this season have delivered the killer blow on their opponents at decisive moments. True intent is really there at the Emirates and solid displays have just about reinforced that belief. And so one would be tempted to ask the question whether Arsene Wenger’s stubbornness beginning to pay off?
The French man’s frugality in the transfer market and his reliance on largely inexperienced youngsters over the years created deep resentment amongst supporters across the world. "Stubborn" and "greedy" have been among the tirades against Wenger. Fans wanted him axed! And to be fair, their exasperation was understandable and they were losing battles on all fronts - in the Premier League, in Europe, in the Carling and FA cups. So is the resurgence now at the Emirates a vindication of the manager?
In between inconsistencies, the likes of Ramsey, Wilshere and Walcott have matured over the years while Gibbs has grown into a very dependable defender. His timing of the ball and sense of responsibility in the field of play are well beyond his years. Carzola and Ozil have blended well into the team and even the misfiring Giroud has provided the goals despite his sometimes uninspiring performances. Arsenal are not known hard tacklers but Flamini has proven to be one, and in some cases being quite ruthless.
Is this Arsenal’s time to reclaim the league title? They seem to have rediscovered their absorbing style of play and are more purposeful scoring goals. But my feeling is that their true tests will come in this second leg especially in games requiring stellar performances and positive results against teams such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton.
Make no mistake, Arsenal are genuine title contenders and they, at this time head a congested table. My fear though is that over the years they have entertained the tendency of wobbling, sometimes in the last quarter of campaigns, and blowing up their chances of silverware. If they maintain the present momentum they might clinch it this time. Otherwise they will be shoved out by Manchester City or Chelsea! Here in Sierra Leone, Arsenal fans are becoming boisterous, more than ever in recent times, and are very upbeat that they will be champions of English football come May. They have all rights to be confident and to even be champions, but they must not dismiss the grim fact they do at times blow it all away very easily. Good luck, Gunners!
MANCHESTER CITY
Money, some say, conquers all and City fans are just about basking in that glory. Less than eight years ago, they were an average side content with staying in the premier league. If they had craved for recognition, reverence, fame and good fortune, then their more illustrious neighbours across town (United) had it all. United were more glamorous rivals who maintained a global appeal, while City always lived in their shadows until the millionaire Sheikh Mansour came along with his unlimited cash to spend.
And though Wayne Rooney is quoted as saying that United versus Liverpool is still the biggest match for his side, the reality is that City are now a force in English football and are gradually, but surely, attracting attention in Europe as well. They are nowhere near United in any way except form at the moment. However, City have come a long way and have sauntered onto the red carpet much to the chagrin of their rivals whose former manager once, famously or infamously, referred to them as the Noisy Neighbours.
City have bought stars in recent years with the available millions and the team’s reputation is growing. Their dramatic grabbing of their first ever league trophy in 44 years on the last day of the 2011-2012 season finally ushered them into the fold of the elites of English football.
At present City and Chelsea are the two most star-studded sides in England, a fact the other title contenders would not argue about.
I want to put my money on City as top favourites for the title this season, but it will depend on how well goalkeeper Joe Hart gets back in the starting eleven after some costly howlers not long ago. Their defence is not that perfect but what a rich supply of talent they do have in the middle and the forward line!
When the Argentine, the injured "Kun" Aguero, returns and reasserts his predatory instinct that has petrified so many defenders and goalkeepers, then City will be hard to stop. The buying of Jesus Navas in the summer was brilliant and has added guile to the wings. Their Brazilian Fernandinho is providing energy in the middle and has been a real backup support for the Ivorian Yayah Toure who seems to lose steam in the latter stages of high-tempo games.
City have been extremely quick and impressive on the counter this season. Manager Manuel Pelligrini is proving to be on top of his game and his boys are responding well. Chelsea or Arsenal might possibly deny City the title but it all depends on how the Manchester club approaches matches especially against less-fancied sides. They have faltered, notably against Cardiff. Against Liverpool at the Etihad, the visitors took them on and missed a host of chances and could have come away winners. Lescott drafted into the team again is a soft target and even Kompany is not at his regular best.
This January transfer window should see City signing a couple of defenders and perhaps a holding midfielder. They can be beaten and their defence is what their opponents will try to exploit fully to their advantage. Still, for me, City are strong favourites to win the premier league this year.
To be continued.
(C) Politico 14/01/14
