As we consider the idea that we may be on the cusp of our most exciting season yet can we feel proud that our league is the most competitive in the world or should we lament the drop in standards of certain teams? A decade ago the title race was a two-horse one between Arsenal and Manchester United, each taking their turn holding the trophy with mostly United coming out on top. Then came Roman Abramovich, then Sheik Mansour.
Now as we look at our league we can see vast improvements in other teams to leave us with a situation where we have Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and the Manchester clubs competing for the title and Champions League places. Then we have a whole host of other teams who have improved beyond what was previously thought possible. Teams like Stokehave been climbing gradually until they are now in a position where they are a force to be reckoned with in both the league and Europe.
So what’s the problem? Competition makes sport more enjoyable, more unpredictable, more entertaining. However, has this increased competition in the league come at a price? In what other league would the reigning champions lose 6-1 at home to a team that is struggling in Europe? What I mean is: in becoming more competitive it seems that some of our teams have become worse.
Best league in the world?
I can’t think of many English football fans, or indeed football fans, that would not say that the Premier League is the ‘best’ league in world football. It is the most commercial, the most competitive, the most exciting and is home to many of the world’s best players. But do we have the best teams? I’m not sure that we do, and whilst it’s nice to have a tough league how can our competition be the best if the best teams don’t play in it?
Man Utd, undoubtedly one of the world’s best teams, have not only been humiliated at home but have also allowed more shots on their goal this season than any other team. Manchester City look good but are struggling on their maiden Champions League excursion, Chelsea are aging at an alarming rate, Liverpool look as mediocre as ever despite spending vast sums of money and Arsenal are going to get worse before they get better. Can we say that any of our teams would beat Spain’s top two at the moment? Or Bayern Munich?