Football. Soccer. Whatever you call it, it is damn exciting at the moment in England, where we are seeing the closest battle for supremacy in the Premier League in many years.
As a diehard Chelsea fan, I am content with the way things are going at the moment, but that does not mean I am not nervous as to how the table is going to look at the end of the season.
The only certainty at this stage is Manchester United’s long reign of supremacy is finally over.
The battle for England
As of writing this post, the EPL is a four-horse race between Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal, and I don’t see that top four changing.
While Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have been performing very well recently, Manchester City can still be seen as a benchmark for all teams, not only in England but in all of Europe.
Not only that, but they now have a distinct advantage of not being involved in any other competitions apart from the Premier League.
Once Liverpool’s only advantage, this positive for Manchester City should see them claim their second Premier League title in three years, especially after Chelsea’s unfortunate slip up against Aston Villa.
For Gunners supporters, the Premier League is slipping from your grasp and yet again your chance for glory comes through a cup competition.
I predict the prestigious FA Cup will be heading back to North London and finally Arsene Wenger will have something to smile about after almost nine years of suffering.
As for Chelsea, Champions League glory awaits for season 2014-15 but Jose Mourinho’s team does look the goods in the future seasons. With rumoured purchase of Diego Costa or Radamel Falcao, or any top class striker to be honest, and the addition of Kurt Zouma in the back, they will be a formidable force in years to come.
And Liverpool? Well, well, well, it appears next season Steven Gerrard and his teammates will no longer have to sit on the couch mid-week and watch the other English clubs run around against the biggest clubs in Europe.
Watch their version of SAS return Liverpool to glory days – not necessarily rewarding trophies, but adding a degree of intimidation they have certainly lacked in previous years.
Except Luis Suarez, he is just a freak.
As for all those others who aren’t going to make European football next season, Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton in particular, this shows not only the class of the Premier League, but also the importance of the transfer window.
Manchester United have made one big signing, Juan Mata, in January, and he was immediately named their player of the month, but it is too little too late.
Tottenham on the other hand, buoyed by the bath of $100 bills they got given in exchange for Gareth Bale, went on a spending spree that has gone rather astray.
Roberto Soldado’s lack of ability to score unless the ball is on a spot in front of the keeper and Erik Lamela’s homesickness, which has clearly affected his undeniable talent, are both examples of this.
While most of their issues are down to the Portuguese former manager Andre Villas-Boas, they need to improve, and quickly to keep pace with the other big teams in the EPL.
And finally, Everton. For me the most improved side of the season. There must be something in the water in Merseyside because both of their teams have been playing well.
Unlike Liverpool, who have been led by their star strike force, Everton have been propelled into European contention thanks to the astute management of Roberto Martinez.
The once-expert of dragging teams out of the relegation zone has now become a widely respected manager, with the amazing signings of Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and, in more recent times, Aiden McGeady and Lacina Traoré (on loan), he has managed to complement the Toffees’ already balanced team fantastically.
Under his management, Everton will be led to greater success in the future.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Carlo Ancelotti was getting in the thick of the post-game party!
Security had just removed one of the spectators from the pitch when another ran onto the field causing a delay of around two minutes.
Vinicius Junior scored the second and from there, there was no chance of Dortmund catching them.
Real Madrid were outplayed for much of their 18th Champions League final but it ended in a familiar story - Los Blancos lifting the…
Daniel Carvajal casually headed the ball past the keeper from Toni Kroos' corner.
The scores were still locked at nil-all, how costly will these failed chances be for the Bundesliga side?
