Last Years Top 6 - Where are they now?
Chelsea
No else has a hope in hell and Chelsea are going to win to league without a shadow of a doubt, they have a strong squad, they have a manager who is tactically astute and they have spent millions and millions of oil infused pounds to build a squad which is littered with creative talent and backed up with defensive steel. Or at least that is what I would say if I was a Chelsea fan, a football pundit or realistic. Thankfully, I'm none of the above and whilst I accept that Chelsea are clear favourites, I don't believe that they will get through the hardest league in the world unscathed. This is particular relevant since the term invincibles has been thrown around far too much for my liking – come back here in May and feel free to say I'm wrong but this just isn't going to happen. To give you an idea, last season all the teams that finished in the top 4 lost at least 6 games. To conquer the modern day premier league you'd need a hell of a team and whilst Chelsea have a strong team I just don't believe they will be able to emulate the invincibles. I should also point out that the main reason why everyone is hammering on about Chelsea (including me right now) is because they are being made to look superior by the fact that their "competitors" have yet to find their feet.
And a quick aside (I am writing about Chelsea so cut me some slack, it is literally making me sick), during the United – Chelsea game I saw a lot of people saying that they were supporting United and that they ended up celebrating RvP's goal. I mean really? Did I miss a memo or something? It irritates me that people can't just say "I want Chelsea to lose" rather than saying "I'm a United fan for the next 90 minutes". Don't get me wrong, every time Chelsea play I want them to lose but that is a form of anti-support (I tried looking for an alternative word that described this but failed) and is not a valid reason for supporting anything that RvP does - unless it involves him participating in a cage fight with David Haye, then you can support him. (If only to hold him up for a bit longer whilst David sneaks in a few extra blows)
Now their squad has been strengthened by a few key signings, namely Fabregas and Costa.
In fairness, Fabregas has played a part in making Costa look good but despite that, they are both now integral to Chelsea's attack. Though an over-reliance on Costa specifically (who has been struggling with hamstring injuries for the best part of 6 months) could expose Chelsea. Ironic that as an Arsenal fan I am placing my faith in injuries, but realistically if Chelsea are going to slip (to the point of losing the title – haha Liverpool) then it is more likely to be a Chelsea with Remy or Drogba leading the line, as opposed to one with Diego Costa. Chelsea have had a strong start, that much is true but I don't think (/hope) they'll be able to maintain it - especially if Costa can't stay fit.
I'm really glad I got that one out of the way first. I really do hate Chelsea. In honesty it is mainly because of Mourinho. To put it all in context, if I had two bullets in a gun and I had to choose which two to shoot between Jose, Piers Morgan and Van Persie then I'd probably put two in Jose. Just to be sure. I'm joking of course. Killing is wrong, don't do it kids.
Crazy Sim Prediction - I'll predict Chelsea to finish 2nd, they'll have an accident parking their bus. #ITK
Manchester City
Manchester City have been somewhat unlucky this season, their record currently stands at 5-2-2, and includes draws against both Arsenal and Chelsea, their loss against Stoke and their most recent loss at Upton Park. So what, if anything, have we learnt about City so far? Well, Agüero is as important as ever and I didn’t know this but according to the BBC he has missed around 40% of City’s total Premier League playing time since he was bought into the club.2 In this regard Chelsea and City may both potentially end up having similar issues – an injured 1st choice striker. Though I feel that City’s back up strikers are a tad more reliable than Remy, Drogba and as a last resort Schürrle.
Ideally of course they would both hope that their respective midfields would contribute to the goals. Now for City the player that comes to mind is Yaya Toure but he has been inconsistent at best. If I know anything at all it is this, since that birthday cake debacle he just hasn’t been the same. I’m sure the goals will come but besides that wonder strike from Silva (which was ultimately irrelevant) City’s midfield has yet to step up.
In other news, City’s dire Champions League form has continued and I will attempt to summarise this in 3 letters – lol.
And finally in regards to squad depth, Manchester City have conscientiously fortified their defence through transfers, besides Fernando who has made a reasonable good start the rest have been a tad inconsistent (here’s looking at you Sagna). To put it in terms of numbers, last season on average they scored 3 goals for every goal they conceded and based on their current form they are averaging 2 goals for every goal they concede. I fully expect their defence to tighten up and their lethality in front of goal to improve; but the only question is when.
Crazy Sim Prediction - I’ll predict Manchester City to finish 3rd, Yaya Toure has been a key contributor to their success over the years, if his form doesn’t improve than I could see City slip a little this season. The key thing to take away if you are a City fan is this – get that cake thing sorted.
