We are well into the start of the Premier League now, and there are already some patterns emerging with regards to the contenders for positions at both ends of the table. City look like they are off to a flyer, and seem to have taken on a much more adventurous look since the pre-season defeat to local rivals United. Chelsea look poor, but are still winning are will be there or there abouts. Liverpool under King Kenny are looking much better than this stage last season and Arsenal are continuing to decline at an alarming rate, with Nasri heavily tipped to follow Fabregas out the door.
At the other end of the table, Norwich have had a decent start to the season picking up points in both their games, with QPR finally winning on the weekend in a surprise away victory at Goodison – Everton have clearly followed the pattern set for them with regards to slow starts, yet smart money would be on them to have a better second half of the season and push for Europa League places. Although West Brom occupy one of the relegation spots currently, they are not in many people’s opinions serious contenders to get relegated, having possibly the two toughest opening games possible against United and Chelsea. They looked more than decent in both, and were highly unlucky not to get a point at the very least against a Chelsea side who look sloppy at best. Swansea looked poor against Manchester City, and again looked lacking in several areas of the pitch.
The pick of the games this weekend was clearly the Arsenal Liverpool game, with the result telling us several things. Firstly, Arsenal need to spend big, with their fans unwilling to put up with another high profile departure without new players coming in. Liverpool look decent this season, and their fans will certainly fancy reclaiming their place in Europe’s premier competition with a top four finish this season.
Robin Van PeLuis Suarez looks like being a great addition to both Liverpool and the Premier League, and with Gerrard still on the side lines, Liverpool have quality still to come back into the squad. Their defence anchored by Reina and Carragher look as formidable as ever, and the whole aura of the squad has improved no end from both the end of Rafa’s reign and the ill-fated Roy Hodgson days.
From an Arsenal perspective, a loss in a ‘six pointer’ game at home so early in the season does not bode well, with the squad looking unhappy, discontented and lacking in every way possible. If Wenger seriously wants a top four finish several players are needed – this has been stated so many times now it has become boring, with a defender midfielder and striker needed. Should Van Persie stay fit, he is a top, top striker, and would be expected to be amongst the leading goal scorers this season.
However, keeping him fit has often been the issue and whether he can play in every competition and not suffer a long term injury remains debatable. For the first time in a long time, Arsenal can make a claim to having a decent keeper, but when considering the rest of their back line, this is somewhat negated. Vermarlen is a quality defender, yet again injury prone. Arsenal have no commanding presence at the back, and are prone to leaking sloppy goals. It is more than possible that they will have to make do with a place in the Europa League next season – at best.