Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Oh Okay, the season has started…Here is what to Expect:

Its been awhile since we had something to write home about. Nothing can explain this better than the fact that this season has seen plenty of surprises, shocks and in some cases tears. Tears like the ones witnessed four days ago at Newcastle when Chelsea lost or when Manchester United lost to Westbrom, scrapped through a win against Stoke and beat Fulham in the first twenty minutes, with 70minutes to go. The season has seen our very own Wanyama settling easily at Southamptom and making history as the first East African to play in England. Such an interesting season this will be.

My feeling is however, that the top four positions will remain as they have always been for the last three seasons with United, Chelsea and Manchester City taking the first three and Arsenal finishing fourth. Liverpool and Tottenham are equally good and would comfortably challenge for top four, but finishing within top four is a totally whole thing. Total ball game, requires consistency and a lot more than just a good squad. Sometimes you have to win from losing positions, know how to respond to pressure, how to react when you concede with the result being, three points in the bag!

Several teams have strengthened their weaknesses from last seasons performance and analysising each team, I am convinced Totenham and Arsenal did the most job by addressing the problems they had last season. For instance, Tottenham having relied heavily on Bale for the past seasons made a kill for his sale and have been very busy in the transfer market. Whereas its hard to single out who their key player will be this season, I believe they have a big squad good enough to compete both in Europa league as well as offer challenge domestically. Christian Eriksen and Townsend are my favorite buys by AVB and they will make a difference to a team who relied heavily on Gareth Bale last season.

Whereas as much of the talk at Arsenal has been about Ozil, I have been convinced creativity was not Arsenal’s problem last season. They had an issue in the holding midfield position, a role that has been well taken up by the returning Flamini. His leadership, tireless running and attitude has seen Wenger’s side transformed into a formidable side, capable of beating any team on their day. They same has freed up Ramsey who is now in the form of his life and is banging in goals. If Arsenal can keep Flamini fit for the entire season, then they have work cut out for them. Their next match against United however, they will lose. These are sort of matches which are never dictated by the current form of the respective players.


Manchester United are a great side. They have a group of talented players who can beat anyone any day. However, United never addressed last season’s challenges, and they too had a problem with the holding midfield position. Michael Carrick is a player I like and so often, I regard him as one of the greatest passers in football. But he is not the best tackler. Statistics may show others but I am convinced United need a ball winner, a tackler, a Gattuso-Tiote-Song-Makele like sort of midfielder. One who would break opposition attacks and then release the ball to Carrick who would then dictate the play going forwad. Carrick is a good passer. He is great on the ball, but not off the ball. I just don’t see this in their biggest acquisition in the summer, Fellaini. I am sure, Moyes will have to address his holding midfield position in the summer since Anderson is not only injury prone but in my opinion, not good enough. And then theres the Moyes problem who has in some cases been clueless. He can make substitutions which would leave a fan wondering, "What was our manager trying to achieve?"
In their next match against Arsenal, I fancy them beating Arsenal and that could just be what they need to turn their season around. Yes, maybe.


Chelsea seems to have the same problem as United, but perhaps in different departments. The defense only requires one hundred percent concentration from David Luiz and it will be perfect, will an equally competitive bench. Terry and Cahill partnership has conceded less goals compared to when Luiz is involved. However, on his day David Luiz is unplayable. The holding midfield position has either Mikel or Ramires, the later is preferred, perhaps because of his work rate or just is equally important surging runs forward, compared to an equally efficient Mikel who sadly, is slower. The weakness however is clear when Lampard, gets involved. He is 35years old and in all fairness should not be played 90+minutes in every game. As to whether the coach is trying to win him another contract is something I can’t tell, but in all honesty he is the weak link in Chelsea’s midfield. Earlier this week, it was reported that DAVID LUIZ is set to be axed by Jose Mourinho after senior Chelsea players bawled him out for his attitude. The question I wish to ask, who are these senior players? Well, your guess of Lampard being one of them is as good as mine. The dressing room wars have started all over again.
Oscar has not played well the last two matches. Could it be that Mourinho’s public declaration that he is Chelsea’s preferred number 10 this season has gotten into him? Does he feel his place is guaranteed regardless of how he performs?
The Chelsea’s forward line is equally weak, with only two EPl goals among the three strikers. Inconsistency of Fernando Torres is playing a role too much as we know he is working hard in training. The striker problem sadly, has not been addressed by Chelsea and could cost the team this season.


Manchester City addressed their midfield position and it’s the only team whose midfield looks good. The back up players in central defence is however really weak. Anytime Vincent Company is not playing, they have struggled. The inclusion of Fernandinho, has stabilized a midfield that boasts of great players like Yaya, Milner and Silva. Their strike force is filled with great talents. Aguero is in great form and his partnership with Negredo is a joy to watch. Then also have great powerful back up in the form of Dzeko and Jovetic.
I don’t know what usually happens to England goalkeepers but this season Joe Hart has once again proved that England goal keepers don’t last. He has been error prone, lacks confident and to be honest not the same goalkeeper who was dreaded just two seasons ago. I will not be fair to say City ought to have addressed this issue in the summer, but should he regain his form then City without a doubt will either be runner up or win this seasons’ title.


Liverpool have a young ambitious manager who has a unique style of play. Releasing Pepe Reina and the acquisition of Mignolet was some good, focused business. They also addressed their Central defense with the acquition of Sakho, a player I have watched several times in Ligue 1. Luis Suarez has always been a great player, since his days in Amsterdam and its no wonder his partnership with Sturridge is bearing fruits for the Merseyside outfit. However, consistency lacks for this team and this will cost them dearly. I see them finishing 5th. After all, according to Brendar Rodgers, their main aim is to finish in the top four and qualify for next seasons Champions League. Clearly, if they don’t, then keeping Suarez from the likes of Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona will be an uphill task. But you will know he means business when Daily Mail reports “Liverpool will continue to search for 'brave' players with the right character as he looks to bolster his squad in January”


But then again, this is football. Anything can happen. Arsenal could as well win the league. In any case, Gor Mahia won theirs after 18 years of wait and Arsenal are 5 points clear with only 28 matches to go, why not?
Until then, please pass the salt!

3 comments:

  1. problem that we have at Chelsea is on the flank especially Hazard, it is time Mou left him on the bench and plays Mata there, it was also greatest mistake by Mourinho to let Lukaku go out on Loan to bring in Eto who has nothing to prove as opposed to Lukaku who would want to score many goals to prove point that he is in class of his own far beyond what we currently have. it is also good to have small squad that you can manage than a big squad that you cant manage.Really I see Liverpool in top four but they need to address the central midfield,they have great forwards, versatile attacking midfield but they lack someone to link defense and attacking midfield. Kolo Toure is also just temporary solution to deffence and really need stable person. We need to bring Thibout back home and let Cech be back up or else we will lose him without playing in blue shirt yet he is top three best keepers.

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  3. As usual i never want to miss Frank talk and i must say the broad analysis you've made in regard to this season has helped me see This season in a different perspective.

    Mancity, Man United and Arsenal will give Chelsea a hard time and with the point you have put across on each team if adressed any of those teams will be Champs 2013/2014.

    On Chelsea, Mourinho has to get the right balance and stop selecting a team emotionally. I totally agree with you on the Legend Lampard. He shouldn't play 90+ minutes in every game.

    Good piece of Analysis..........................Keep us informed.

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