I wrote this article a
few weeks ago but as I am new to Armchair Analysis I was unable to post it
then. Feel free to give it a read and make any comments.
Leicester City have been the surprise package in the Premier League
this season as they continue to sit pretty at the top of the table. With just
one defeat so far, coming against second placed Arsenal, they must now be
taken as a serious contender for their first top flight title in the club's
131 year history. However, after they defeated Manchester City in Monday
night’s clash at the Emirates Arsenal are now thought to be the favourites to
lift the trophy for the first time since the famous 'Invincibles' season. The
Gunners sit two points behind leaders Leicester and with a four point gap
opened up on 3rd place City they must now fancy their chances. City are still
very much in the title race but they have to find some kind of consistency,
with the talent they possess the only thing stopping them from winning the
league is themselves.
Tottenham and Manchester United are nine points behind the Foxes and with their current form neither team can be considered to be a serious title contender. Reigning champions Chelsea find themselves twenty points off the top of the table and even though they have a vast amount of quality in their squad it would take a near miracle for new manager Guus Hiddink to transform their season into a title defending one.
Aston Villa prop up the Premier League table and have only managed to
accumulate seven points. They have one win under their belt so far this
season, which came on the opening day of the season under the management of
recently axed, Tim Sherwood. New boss Remi Garde surely has to have one eye
on building a team for next season when it is likely they will be plying their
trade in the Championship. Sunderland currently sit five points from safety
but with the Premier League survival expertise of Sam Allardyce at the helm
and proven striker Jermaine Defoe upfront it wouldn’t be wise to bet against
the Black Cats beating the drop. It may come as a surprise for some people to
see Swansea City third from bottom, but with just one win in their last
twelve games it’s hard to argue they don’t deserve their current position.
Although, with a new manager soon to arrive and with the quality they have in
their squad surely they have enough to get out of this current run on form.
Newcastle United have now put a run together of three games undefeated but they continue to look over their shoulder with just a two point gap between them and the relegation zone. Norwich managed to record a shock win at Old Trafford at the weekend to propel them out of the drop zone but it will still be a battle for them to stay up this season. Bournemouth sit four points above Swansea and are in the midst of a good run of form after an impressive run of three straights wins coming against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion. It will be a tough ask for the Cherries to avoid an immediate return to the Football League but with their character and spirit you wouldn’t write them off. |
