The 2010–11 English Premier League title race may yet turn out to be one of the closest for many years.
It was widely believed over the summer that Chelsea would once more be the dominant force, but a poor pre-season run of form, culminating in a 3–1 loss to Manchester United in the Community Shield, has re-opened the debate.
With no English club in the 2010 Champions League final—for the first time in six years—it is clear that overall performances have declined, and Jose Mourinho is quite right to say that the Manchester United that Chelsea pipped to the title last season, is not of the same caliber as the Manchester United team he defeated with Chelsea to claim the title in 2005 and 2006.
Add in to the mix the exorbitant spending of Manchester City this summer, increasing substantially their already star-studded line up, and also the never-too-distant threat of Arsenal, with their beautiful style of football so successful for Spain in the World Cup, and this season will be riveting.
Also, both a rejuvenated Liverpool and growing-in-confidence Tottenham Hotspur will be keen to stake their claims, and, even if not directly pushing for the title, they will definitely be able to influence its outcome when playing against the top teams.
This may well be another season that we really come to appreciate the managerial qualities of Sir Alex Ferguson yet again. For once operating on a tight budget, he has already displayed his acumen in picking up Javier Hernandez just before the Mexican striker’s value skyrocketed at the World Cup.
It is also worth remembering that last season Ferguson had no less than 17 players missing through injury for two months or longer, a run of bad luck unlikely to be repeated this year. Seen in this light, losing out to Chelsea by only one point in the last campaign is all the more impressive.
Furthermore, if last season’s runners up are able to acquire Germany World Cup star Mesut Ozil before the transfer window closes, they will surely be in a position of strength. Talisman Wayne Rooney has already shown that he has shaken off his World Cup blues.
A happy camp will be as vital as ever this year, and if under these conditions Manchester United are able to claim a record 19th title and overtake Liverpool as the most successful league club in England, Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy will be beyond reproach.
Manchester United’s chief rivals for the title, Chelsea, have their work cut out to recover from a worrying pre-season slump. However, last season’s double winners will be relieved to have a gentle introduction to the campaign, not meeting a top side until their sixth match.
It was widely believed over the summer that Chelsea would once more be the dominant force, but a poor pre-season run of form, culminating in a 3–1 loss to Manchester United in the Community Shield, has re-opened the debate.
With no English club in the 2010 Champions League final—for the first time in six years—it is clear that overall performances have declined, and Jose Mourinho is quite right to say that the Manchester United that Chelsea pipped to the title last season, is not of the same caliber as the Manchester United team he defeated with Chelsea to claim the title in 2005 and 2006.
Add in to the mix the exorbitant spending of Manchester City this summer, increasing substantially their already star-studded line up, and also the never-too-distant threat of Arsenal, with their beautiful style of football so successful for Spain in the World Cup, and this season will be riveting.
Also, both a rejuvenated Liverpool and growing-in-confidence Tottenham Hotspur will be keen to stake their claims, and, even if not directly pushing for the title, they will definitely be able to influence its outcome when playing against the top teams.
This may well be another season that we really come to appreciate the managerial qualities of Sir Alex Ferguson yet again. For once operating on a tight budget, he has already displayed his acumen in picking up Javier Hernandez just before the Mexican striker’s value skyrocketed at the World Cup.
It is also worth remembering that last season Ferguson had no less than 17 players missing through injury for two months or longer, a run of bad luck unlikely to be repeated this year. Seen in this light, losing out to Chelsea by only one point in the last campaign is all the more impressive.
Furthermore, if last season’s runners up are able to acquire Germany World Cup star Mesut Ozil before the transfer window closes, they will surely be in a position of strength. Talisman Wayne Rooney has already shown that he has shaken off his World Cup blues.
A happy camp will be as vital as ever this year, and if under these conditions Manchester United are able to claim a record 19th title and overtake Liverpool as the most successful league club in England, Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy will be beyond reproach.
Manchester United’s chief rivals for the title, Chelsea, have their work cut out to recover from a worrying pre-season slump. However, last season’s double winners will be relieved to have a gentle introduction to the campaign, not meeting a top side until their sixth match.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men appear to be suffering form a prolonged World Cup hangover. Of their 18 full internationals not one made it beyond the last 16 of the tournament, and there are many tales of personal woe, not least for shamed French striker Nicolas Anelka.
In addition, Chelsea are now an ageing squad, with both Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba being 32-years-old.
However, Ancelotti’s credentials are outstanding, most notably winning the Champions League with Milan twice, and, if as widely expected the Brazilian midfielder Ramires soon arrives at Stamford Bridge, do not be surprised to see a dominant Chelsea this year.
Nouveau Riche
Manchester City now have to achieve tangible results. The outlay over the summer has been quite incredible, and only success on the pitch will be acceptable for their lavish spending owners.There is much talk about whether or not the squad will gel, and it is no surprise that Roberto Mancini’s name is near the top of the list at bookmakers for managers that may be fired first.
That said, the quality at his disposal is undisputable. Only just missing out on a Champions League place last season, their ranks have now been further swelled by the addition of Yaya Toure, David Silva, Jerome Boateng, and Aleksandar Kolarov, with negotiations for England international James Milner still ongoing.
And let’s not forget that Inter striker Mario Balotelli is still in the mix.
Indeed, the main challenge for Mancini may be streamlining his squad to the necessary 25 senior players, as demanded by recent Premier League regulations.
The opening match against Tottenham, who narrowly beat them to fourth place last season, will be a thrilling way to kick off the season Saturday afternoon.
Gunners Ready to Fire
Arsenal too have a cracking opening fixture, drawn against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday.
Arsene Wenger’s side have flattered to deceive in recent campaigns, astounding all with their exceptional footballing ability, yet failing to deliver the consistency which silverware demands.
This year the highly rated Marouane Chamakh will provide a more physical presence up front, and Laurent Koscielny will sure up the defense. It is also worth noting that both Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs performed well for England midweek, and teenage sensation Jack Wilshere received his first senior cap.
Although recipients of much criticism for placing style over substance, Arsenal have never been too far off the pace, and like Manchester City, they will be hoping to take advantage of perceived weaknesses in the traditional top two.
And of course, holding on to club captain Cesc Fabregas at the expense of his hometown club Barcelona is a great coup for the North London side.
Resurgent Reds
Liverpool too are resurgent after holding on to key players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and new manager Roy Hodgson has made some astute signings, not least of which is England international Joe Cole, who has settled in well.Although lacking the strength in depth for a serious title push, there will be few clubs relishing the trip to Anfield this year.
Tottenham Hotspur as well are on the fringes of greatness. In the space of 18 months, manager Harry Redknapp has taken the club from the bottom of the Premier League to last season’s top four finish.
There is a genuine sense of belief at the club, and despite no major summer signings the squad remains strong. It will be interesting to see how the vast fortunes of Manchester City compare against a tightly wed and astutely organized team such as Spurs.
In fact, with the Premier League looking more balanced this season than it has for many years, the abilities of managers to maintain discipline and creativity throughout their squad will become more important than ever.
Let the games begin!
