So we are quickly entering the business end of the season, and the Premier League table is starting to take shape. We have had the usual steady change of managers at numerous clubs, more big spending from the mega rich, whilst the lesser clubs try their hardest to keep hold of their prize assets. Controversy has never been too far away and we have even been treated to a decent goal or two.
In fact, in recent years, I’d say this has been the most entertaining Premier League season we have had. Usually by now, the title race has evolved into a two-horse race, but with the likes of Tottenham and Man City now entering the fray, we are no closer to knowing where the trophy is going to end up come May. And what about the battle to avoid the drop? All pre-season predictions may as well be screwed up and thrown in the bin, as the likes of Blackpool have continued to take sides by surprise. So what have we learnt from this season so far? Is it any different to all the other Premier League seasons? I’ve compiled a little list of the top 10 things which I have learnt from the 2010/2011 season so far. If you want to add your own points that you think should be included in this list, feel free to comment below!
1. Blackpool have been good for the Premier League – It seems every year a team comes up from the Championship who we all write-off straight away, and Blackpool have been this season’s. But the Tangerines have been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League and play some good football. I hope they stay up and continue to build on what a fantastic job they have already done. Let’s be honest, we would all like a bit more of Ian Holloway as well!
2. Man City and Tottenham finally make the title race interesting – It’s about time we had more teams who are in with a genuine chance of winning the title. Normally by now, Man United and Chelsea are leading the way, with Arsenal just behind them. As it stands, United, Chelsea, Arsenal, City and Spurs are all taking points off each other and are all within touching distance. Admittedly, City have bought their way into the race, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the hunt for glory will go right down to the wire, and I for one am looking forward to it!
3. Loyalty is a fading art – Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Darren Bent – I could go on. Players don’t seem to have the affection for their club as they used to. It’s a sorry state for the game to be in when mega-rich players chase more money and jump ship at the sight of a mega new deal. Rooney and Tevez stayed at United and City respectfully because they were offered more money. Even Pepe Reina has refused to rule out a move from Liverpool to arch rivals United. It just isn’t something that is done.
4. Foreign owners ruining the game – City fans may disagree, but they weren’t happy with the way Mark Hughes was sacked, and that has happened across the country. A manager must dread the day his club gets taken over as he knows only one thing is coming. Chris Hughton deserves to still be in the game, as does Sam Allardyce. The reason they aren’t is because rich owners are looking for quick fire success and forget about what it takes to build the foundations of a winning side. Gone are the days where managers were given time.
5. Harry Redknapp is still a wheeler-dealer – I know he doesn’t like the phrase, in fact, he hates it. But you can’t deny Redknapp is the master in the transfer window with his capture of Rafael van der Vaart. He also managed to get Steven Pienaar despite Chelsea’s interests and he even made a last ditch attempt for Blackpool’s Charlie Adam.
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6. The old guard do know their stuff – Liverpool and Aston Villa both suffered indifferent starts to the season, and have both recently opted for a manager who brings vast amounts of experience. Kenny Dalglish seems to be bringing out the best in the players at Liverpool and Gerard Houllier is changing the way Villa are playing and has made some very good signings. It seems age isn’t a problem when it comes to management!
7. The transfer window is unfair on the lesser clubs – Darren Bent moved to Aston Villa in one of the most talked about transfers of the season, but it’s effect on Sunderland has been quite hard to take for manager Steve Bruce. Bent was told of Villa’s interest and instantly forced his way out, which left Bruce short of options up front and not a lot of time to do anything about it. The situation with Charlie Adam’s suitors nearly left Blackpool in the same situation, but Ian Holloway stood firm. If players are to push through moves, it should be done in the summer so clubs can prepare for the worst.
8. Ryan Giggs cannot be 37 – I’m starting to think that all the talk of Giggs’ age is a myth. Once again he has managed to roll back the years and has been in fine form for Manchester United. With Antonio Valencia out and Park-Ji-Sung playing in the Asia Cup, many expected Alex Ferguson to dive into the transfer market for another wide-man, but instead Giggs has defied logic and continued to play there himself. He has even decided to play on next season. 37? Surely not!
9. West Brom face similar problems – The Baggies have been a bit of a yo-yo club over the years, and at the start of the season, you could have been forgiven for thinking those days were behind them as they were at one point sat in fourth place. Now though, they are languishing one place above the drop zone and don’t look as though they have enough to remain in the division. A sensibly run club means they will never feel the effects of relegation like others, but maybe that’s their problem. Time to take a gamble?
10. The Premier League continues to burn their bridges – What a farcical situation we once again found ourselves in when the Premier League decided to fine Blackpool for playing an ‘under strength’ team against Aston Villa. Did they not comply with the new 25-man squad rule? They were also seconds away from a well earned point – but such is football that they lost thanks to a late goal. We were here last season when Wolves did a similar thing at Man United. It’s time for the Premier League to stop being so pedantic and bring some much needed consistency to the game.
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