English Premier League 2013/14

[Macca]

The start of yet another "next season will be our year"

[stattointhailand]

A very worrying thought for the Premier League.
There are no "Very Good" teams this year ...... a couple are probably "Good", but the vast majority, including many of the so called "top teams" are little more than mediocre.
We are are only 4 or 5 games into the season and already we have quite a long list of surprise results (which in seasons gone by would have been "SHOCK" results). Prior to yesterdays game Chelsea had their worst ever start to a Prem season. Man City have been beaten at Cardiff, Villa lost at home to Newcastle after winning at Arsenal, Southampton win at Liverpool after only being able to manage a draw at home to Sunderland etc;
If Stoke City win tonight, they could go joint top Unbelievably, even with all their problems (No plan "B" everything predictable etc; as mentioned in a previous post) if Newcastle hadn't thrown away the points against Hull yesterday THEY would have been joint top
I'm fairly sure that everything will settle down later in the season, and that the big squads available to the big boys will see them back in their usual top of the table positions (or they will spend big in January to make sure they are there), but I have a feeling that the "upsets" are going to continue for much of this season, and may be, just may be, we are in for a much closer season than in recent years with 5 or 6 teams still in with a chance near the end.

[BobHelm]

You are correct Statto, it has been a strange start to the season.
I am not sure that the International breaks assist much either & there is another of them to come before Christmas.

Chelsea have their worst ever start to a season & are now top...strange world..

I think that it is pretty natural that there is some 'bedding in' early on this season. Citi, United & Chelsea all with new managers was bound to make for some confusion early on. On top of that Spurs have lost the man who rather single handedly gave them a good position last year, The Gunners didn't have all their best players leave & Rogers has now got rid of all the dross that was left over from The Spanish Waiters' time there.

I said, pre-season, that I thought it would be between Chelsea & Citi. I still feel that is the case for winning the title & if Citi lose today then Chelsea are starting to build a considerable edge there as well.
After them I think that all the usual suspects will be in contention & it will be mighty close for places...

[Macca]

Damn, I hate time zones.
Always a nervous wreck on Derby day. Being a red from a very blue part of Manchester means endless texts if we lose.

Been awake since 5, still hours to go

BTW; anyone without CTH but has a good net connection 365 sport is a great online site. 5 channels of global sport including EPL, league cup (United v Pool this week) champs league
600 baht per month or 3,999 baht for the year.

[mathusalah80]

Transfer window closed, Managers, (temporarily?) and squads settled; so which team is the heir apparent? MAN. UTD, in David Moyes, have appointed the best option as its new manager, and made two controversial decisions in retaining the increasingly temperamental Rooney and saddling itself with the non performing Nani, for a further 5 years. The wisdom, or otherwise, of aforesaid decisions will be demonstrated over the weeks to come. My opinion is that the club is currently Premier Division Champions because of a combination of the total unity and pride extending throughout the club, which drove the squad to over perform and maintain a high level of self belief, and the surprising failure of the superior squads of opponents to match that challenge. I think the current season will evidence a change in both these elements, not to the benefit of United. There are worrying signs of defensive weaknesses, not the least being the decline in performance of both Ferdinand & Evra, and a worrying tendency for Vidic to pick up niggling injuries. Also, notwithstanding the much needed improvement to midfield, with the arrival of the talented Fellaini, the squad still lacks a quality playmaker able to combine with Carrick to provide the opportunities to capitalize on the striking skills of RVP & Welbeck, and the penetrative skills of the exciting Valencia. I have some serious worries, (stupid me?), that this season could see Utd, in the unprecedented position of having to battle to achieve a top four spot. MAN. CITY has found the best possible answer to the loss of the inspirational on field presence, and goal scoring prowess, of Tevez with the prize capture of Negredo. So with the unflappable and football knowledgeable Pellegrino, replacing the self obsessed Mancini, and with a squad of quality internationals from which could be selected two teams capable of challenging for the Premiership title, preventing the club from capturing second Premiership within three years presents a formidable task to other aspirants. CHELSEA, based on comments and reports from the club, the supporters, elements of the media, - oh, and the Special One himself!- needed only to appoint Maurinho as the Manager, and winning the Premiership Title, (and even the World Marbles Championship) would be automatic! Really? No ‘mata’ that he discards the talent of the top player come top goal scorer come top ‘assists’ player of last season; gives out on loan to competing Premier clubs two of the Leagues’ most exciting and promising young players in Lukaku & Moses. Indications are that Maurinho seems determined to turn a blind eye, (out of a mistaken sense of loyalty?), to the disruptive influence and glaring defensive weaknesses of the once great JT, and the regularity with which Ashley Cole is being taken on and beaten by players with pace and ball skills. Even with enough midfield players to service four Premier Division clubs, still none of them look capable of anywhere near matching Lampard’s regular annual haul of goals – and neither do Torres, Demba or Schurrie. I suggest the footballing decision, and personnel management skills, of Maurinho are about to be tested like never before, and that the outcome will determine the extent of the challenge Chelsea mount in pursuit of the Premiership. It will also, once and for all, just how special the Special One really is. ARSENAL, with the signing of Ozil, requires just one more piece, in the form of a midfield defender/playmaker, to complete a very impressive looking puzzle. Totally impervious to the cheap jibes of the ignorant, Wenger has quietly and unobtrusively put together a squad of players providing quality and strength in every area of a team, from Goalkeeper to strikers. Also Wengerlike, there are no mega self centred temperamental stars, but rather a bunch of quality players who pre-season, in an impressive run of games, have already demonstrated their ability and willingness to work together, and for each other, and so knit into a formidable unit with no obvious weakness. I think Arsenal will have a major say in the eventual destination of the Premiership title, this season. TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS, having obtained seven players and a financial credit balance, for the price of one, have already been installed by most pundits, professional & amateur alike, as serious Championship contenders. I remain unconvinced. My, admittedly jaundiced, eye sees a naïve Manager, not yet understanding, nor with the ability to cope with the diverse demands placed upon a successful Premiership Manger. With the Bale windfall at his disposal it appeared to me that he couldn’t wait to rush out and buy whatever players were available and worry about sorting them out and putting together a dovetailing TEAM of players. A sort of ‘cart before the horse’ approach. Of interest to me, I suspect along with a few hopeful Premier Managers, is where the likes of Defoe, Lennon, Dawson, Kaboul, Adebayour and Holtby fit into AVBs plans, if at all. I don’t question the quality of the assembled squad overall, just seriously doubt AVBs ability to mould it into, and to tactically and ‘people’ manage, a team capable of maintaining a season long challenge. EVERTON will not be challenging for the Premiership, but what the team is almost certainly going to do is scupper the hopes of at least one, if not more, of the favourites. The Directors and Martinez have done a remarkable job in continuing and building upon the ‘David Moyes Heritage’ What could have proved the fatal blow of losing Fellaini was almost immediately more than nullified by the early Xmas present, from Man. City, of the far more experienced, and just as talented, Gareth Barry. But what could prove to be both THE capture, and biggest bargain of the season, was the loan signing of Lukaku. This decision by the Special One was inexplicable to me, and one which could rebound mightily upon him, before seasons end. The quality of the squad is undoubtedly sufficient to challenge strongly for that invaluable fourth spot, but the perennial problem of insufficient funds to increase the size of the squad, to guard against injuries, is sadly once again likely to frustrate the clubs ambitions. LIVERPOOL, arguably, achieved two of the best buys close season, in signing Kola Toure and Coutinho. I think the club made the best decision, in the interests of the club, in retaining the invaluable footballing skills, (if not the public relation skills!) of Suarez. The loan deal to bring in the promising Moses, to add some much needed firepower up front was also sensible. No question the squad has been strengthened, and clearly will be capable of producing the occasional ‘good’ result but, in my view it would be unrealistic to expect a top four finish, given the superior qualities and squads of the clubs mentioned earlier.
So, to get to the nitty gritty, my end of season forecast:
1. Manchester City. 2. Arsenal. 3. Chelsea 4.Manchester Utd. 5. Tottenham Hotspurs. 6.Everton. 7. Aston Villa. 8.Liverpool.
OK Messrs Bob,Zid & Statts, Let the fun commence!

[747man]

And The Toffees win AGAIN,Even after being behind twice at West Haaaaammmm !!!

[Zidane]

Absolute shocker/disaster......United were appalling.....was RVP injured ?
Even the pretty serving wenches,good music,aircon and the "Chang babe" being sexy and friendly at The Mankini could not make up for this humiliation !
Tomorrow is another day,Bob and Macca.

[stattointhailand]

well at least we only had 10 men for over half the match when they put 4 past us

[pompui]

Di Canio on the managers scrapheap ,who is next

[Macca]

Don't envy Mr Moyes position. Win and he has inherited Fergies team, lose and they're all over him like a rash.
Definately think he was the right choice as manager and he will just need time.

BUT....quite confused by some of his team selection. I predicted Kagawa as Uniteds star man this season but he hasn't had a kick. Vidic and Evans were the best partnership by the end of last season. Where has Evans gone.
Next time Smalling plays RB he need a satnav in his socks, looked completely lost. This was the kind of game Fellani was bought for but he never got in the game.

To set up deep for a draw is ok but no plan bit seems.
After years of glory it is gonna be a long season or 2 whilst Moyes rebuilds. Hopefully next time the window opens his board will be better prepared.

UTID

[kennyguk]

Next manager booted after PDC, I reckon Holloway, which would be a big shame.

[Zidane]

Last nights results.....
Arsenal 3 Stoke City 1 ; Crystal Palace 0 Swansea 2 ; Cardiff 0 Tottenham 1 ; Manchester City * Manchester United 1 ;

Assessing Uniteds performance,having more or less sobered up,I am sorely tempted to start hitting the Beer Changs again with my breakfast !
United were simply awful.In many ways this was worse than the 6-1 defeat because that was a bit freakish with 3 late goals against 10 men.
Ferdinand,Vidic and Evra certainly showed their age,playing like men in their mid 40's,and Smalling is never a right back.I know Rafael and Jones were injured but Fabio might have been a better choice or that young Uruguayan we signed pre-season (maybe a bit soon for him).
The midfield is usually always poor....on last nights evidence Fellaini doesnt seem to have added too much.And why on earth start with Young ? He hasnt had a decent game since before Euro 2012.It is saying something when I would have preferred Nani in the starting line up to him !
I just dont understand why Moyes isnt playing Kagawa.Last night would have been ideal to have played him just behind Rooney.Kagawas situation is similar to that of Mata at Chelsea......class players being denied a game for some reason.
I think now we are seeing how Fergie got 110% out of just a top 6 team for much of his tenure.

mat,
I've read your in depth analysis of the top teams which is very good and well thought out. But I'm sticking by my original predictions that the title will be between Chelsea and City with Arsenal,United,Spurs and Liverpool scrapping for the other two Champions League places.
For relegation I said 3 out of Palace,Hull,Sunderland and Newcastle.....maybe put Fulham in the mix as well,now.

[stattointhailand]

Zid didn't you mean to write :- For relegation I said 3 out of Palace,Hull,Sunderland and Newcastle.....maybe put Fulham (and United ) in the mix as well,now.

[Zidane]

Yeah,I thought people predicting United would only get a Europa League place was bad......

[Macca]

Moyes has to make a big decision and be realistic, not pessimistic.
We are not going to be a title contender this year, how we won it last year I really don't know.
So why not look ahead.
The back 4 is poor Rio & Evra are slowing whilst Smalling just is not a RB. Why not give the kids a chance, I know u never win anything with kids.
Lingard, Powell, Buttner, Januzaj, Zaha all need game time if they are to develop.
Evans should be alongside Vidic.
As for Kagawa my pre season tip was for him to be United's player of the year. Looking highly unlikely just now.

Rooney previously wanted to leave as the club lacked ambition, would not be surprised if he jumps out the next window.
Moyes needs full support of the board and for them to be better prepared for the next market.

[BobHelm]

Agree Zid & Macca nothing looking good as a United supporter this year.
I feel that we just need to hang on near there until January. Maybe get the midfielder playmaker that we are sadly lacking & hope for the normal (for United & Moyes) till end of season push to get a place in Europe.
Agree that we won last season by default & Sir A didn't pick his retirement timing accidentally
The loss of David Gill & the seeming shambles over trying to sign a quality midfielder & then a last minute scramble to sign anyone did not bode well..
There are a number of young players not getting a chance at the moment I agree & a number loaned out who are already performing well in the lower divisions.... A year to write off for United fans & hope that Management are still taking the long term approach..

Still believe that the title is Citi's to lose. They have the all-round best 11 in the Premiership & the strongest squad by a mile. The not so Special One will undoubtedly still work his magic on a rather strangely unbalanced Chelsea squad. If the Gunners can keep their best 11 on the pitch then they could cause an upset, but I think that is very long odds.

For the drop, sad to say that Palace & Cardiff look almost certain with Hull still favourite to join them if Sunderland can do something swiftly. However, at the moment, Sunderland look the most desperate of the lot & have zero cohesion, reminding me of QPR last year!!

[747man]

Andy( Zidane ) Macca & Bob, I've Just STOPPED Laughing !!!!

[Macca]

Andy( Zidane ) Macca & Bob, I've Just STOPPED Laughing !!!!

Well at least I've made someone happy. More than I expected to achieve today.

Hope you choke on ur next Leo

[747man]

Andy( Zidane ) Macca & Bob, I've Just STOPPED Laughing !!!!

Well at least I've made someone happy. More than I expected to achieve today.

Hope you choke on ur next Leo

Macca, I Won't coz I don't drink.. Just forgot to add,I'm DELIGHTED For Moyesey.....

[Macca]

Andy( Zidane ) Macca & Bob, I've Just STOPPED Laughing !!!!

Well at least I've made someone happy. More than I expected to achieve today.

Hope you choke on ur next Leo

Macca, I Won't coz I don't drink.. Just forgot to add,I'm DELIGHTED For Moyesey.....

Looking on the bright side of life it's a good wake up call. Early season indications are not positive so why not look ahead.
Fergie built his success on kids so maybe now is a good time to try repeat that. Nani, Anderson, Young and others are just getting in the way.
If Moyes decided to rebuild the side he would get my full backing.
My biggest fear is that he settles for the mid table obscurity he had become so accustomed to at his old club.