Newcastle United – The early form under Chris Hughton looked good, with the likes of Andy Carroll up top, with Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton bossing midfield. The change in manager and the sale of Carroll saw them become a bit more flexible in their play. Pardew does like them to play attacking football at times when games allow. The 4-4 comeback draw against Arsenal was certainly a joy to watch! Entertainment value – 7/10.
Stoke City – Another myth this season is that Stoke City are merchants of the long ball. Yes, they do use the long throw of Rory Delap to their advantage, and yes their centre-half is their top goal scorer this season, but compared to the first season Stoke were in the EPL, they do mix it up a bit more. The likes of Matthew Etherington and Jonathan Walters have seem them play a bit more football on the floor, but they are a traditional English side, high tempo and direct, using the wide areas. Entertainment value – 5/10.
Sunderland – In the first half of the season, I’d say Sunderland were a good attacking outfit but since their drop in form, you have to wonder what’s gone wrong for Steve Bruce’s side. Perhaps the sale of Darren Bent has had a disadvantage on the side but they still like to attack opponents as opposed to sitting back and defending, which has to be admired. Let’s not forget they won at Stamford Bridge 3-0 earlier this season! Entertainment value – 6/10.
Tottenham Hotspur – There seems to be split opinions on how well Spurs play their football. On one extreme it’s super attacking play with high tempo with the skills of Van der Vaart, Bale and Modric; on the other side, it’s long diagonal balls to the likes of Crouch up top. The truth is, it’s both and that’s why Harry Redknapp has got this Spurs side competing in the League and in Europe. Perhaps they’d be more impressive on the eye if the strikers were on form this season, but the likes of Bale and Lennon attacking down the wings is entertaining alone. Entertainment value – 8/10.
West Bromwich Albion – Known for playing good football under Roberto Di Matteo, it was always the defensive side to the game that was in question. Roy Hodgson seems to have sorted that out since he took over at the Hawthorns, going several games unbeaten. The good form has also seen them play some decent attacking football, which may surprise some Liverpool fans. Entertainment value – 7/10.
West Ham United – More frustrating rather than entertaining. The West Ham squad on paper is impressive but apart from the odd few good performances this season, the Hammers have been far from entertaining or effective. At times they do try and play football on the floor, using quick passes across the pitch but there has always seemed to be a lack of fluidity to their play this season. There was better football to watch under Zola. Entertainment value – 4/10.
Wigan Athletic – Now out of the relegation zone when most people (including me) thought they were doomed to the Championship. Roberto Martinez has always got his Wigan team to play football on the floor, in a flowing manner that lets his players express themselves. Unfortunately it’s not won them many games this season, but now in form his side could actually stay up in the Premier League this season, and be entertaining while they do it. Entertainment value – 8/10.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – Another side that have improved on their football since last season. A bit less direct than last year, Wolves have been more entertaining than people give them credit for this season, especially at home. Although their fast attacking play with the likes of Matt Jarvis whipping crosses in the box is good to watch, inconsistency is why they’re currently at the bottom of the League Table. Entertainment value – 5/10.
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Mario Balotelli is the most entertaining thing in the Premier League entertaining
Ha, typing fail