Premiership stronger than ever
Our new writer Dan Mckeown attempts to remind everyone that along with all the controversy we have seen already in the Premier League this season were also witnessing what could be one of the best seasons in recent memory.
So the Premier League is a quarter of the way through already and the “big 4” are near the top as usual. Is all as it seems though? Fabricio Presilli’s article, “Campeonato Brasileiro review”, talks about how competitive the Brazilian league is this year as it nears it completion, can the Premier league look forward to a similar exciting conclusion, the answer can surely only be yes.
The beginning of the season was littered with comments on teams breaking the “big 4’s” strangle hold on the champions league and this season more than ever before it looks a distinct possibility that it could go all the way. Spurs already hold the coveted fourth place ousting Liverpool from there position and Manchester City look like they could live up to their big money reputation with only one defeat to their name so far and that being the controversial winner in the Manchester derby.
This open start to the season makes the rest of the campaign very exciting, not only have we possibly seen the transformation of the “big 4” into a “big 6” but there are teams gathering below that are all capable of beating anyone on their day. Aston Villa, Everton, Sunderland, Wigan to name just a few are all capable of an upset.
You only have to look at the number of games the “big 4” have lost in the first quarter of the season to realise the standard of English football has once again risen for the rest of Europe to try and follow. Previous season’s people say that you can only lose four games over a season if you want to win the league, at the current rate the “big 4” can expect to lose closer to eight games such is the competitiveness this season.
The Premier League is not all about who will make the Champions League though, this “anyone can beat anyone attitude” is also resulting in a relegation battle that could be one of the best ever. Currently there are six teams all within three points of the relegation zone and just to show the calibre of the teams, two of them are in this years Europa League.
It was not so long ago the thought of anyone winning the league except for two or three teams was inconceivable those days are definitely gone now and this can only benefit the Premier League. It is already recognised as one of the richest leagues in the world, the fastest league in the world and the time has come for it now to be recognised as the most open league in the world and long may it continue.
It may appear more open, but I bet the big 4 still occupy 3 out of the 4 CL places at the end of the year. Hardly a big shift is it?? Reckon the likes of Blackburn will even get into Europe?? Money still talks!
Dan, do you think a new team will break into the top 4 this season? Unfortunately I can’t see it happening this year. Man City haven’t spent enough yet. There are question marks over their defence and I don’t think their midfield is good enough to last the course.
There both good points and valid points. Unfortunately as has always been in the case, money talks, those with money inevitably find there way to the top regions of the league. The reason I feel it is more competitive is the number of teams who actually have money. Along with the top 4, City, Spurs, Villa and even Sunderland have all spent as much if not more than the top four. Don’t get me wrong Sunderland aren’t capable of breaking the top four but City and Spurs will both fancy pushing for it.
What I feel was more exciting though, is the number of teams that may not have the consistancy to push on all season but on their day are capable of beating anyone, Fulham, Burnley, Wigan, these teams would of previously just got turned over by the big four but they have all took three points from one of them already this season.
Finally to answer the two questions, No I don’t think Blackburn will make Europe because there are at least 7 teams to strong for them. I do however think City will break the top four and Spurs will push them all close. I think City have a good enough side to be up there come January and if they are, they will spend big again in January to ensure they push on.