Premier League: Title Contenders
With the Premier League taking shape, it can already be sees that the race for the title is panning out. Leicester City have gone back to the bottom half of the table and no one expects them to rise above this point as they try to defend their trophy. And the race for the Premier League heads into the crucial holidays period, fatigue inevitably begins to set in. In contrast to the top European leagues, the English top-flight is one that actually gets more hectic during the festivities, rather than ceasing for a short break, providing for rest and recuperation.
Antonio Conte waves magic wand at Chelsea
A patchy start has been overcome courtesy of some tactical brilliance from manager Antonio Conte. The Italian’s switch to the 3-4-3 system has brought some sublime football. Diego Costa has been superb, Eden Hazard has been excellent and N’Golo Kante is a midfield powerhouse.
Chelsea has heavily relied on Costa’s scoring exploits and he has not disappointed. Costa has shown fantastic individual character to dig his team out of tight spots with his goals. Perhaps most importantly, Conte has been able to quell Costa’s temper and get the best out of Hazard. Furthermore, Kante’s shield in front of the three-man Chelsea defense has seen the club keep nine clean sheet in the eleven consecutive wins. And, David Luiz has seemingly turned into a flawless center-back.
Winners, and emphatically so. In the biggest test of their title credentials and Antonio Conte’s tenure so far, Chelsea went to Manchester City and came from behind to win 3-1.
One issue Conte may encounter is keeping the remainder of his squad happy as he picked the same 11 week-in and week-out. What has been instrumental in this run is consistency, not changing the lineup and keeping the same tactics. There are still a few question marks over new signing Michy Batshuayi and whether he can rise to the occasion in Costa’s absence.
Chelsea have a winning momentum, a settled team line-up, a devastatingly effective formation and style of playing. Chelsea have no European competition, a fully fit squad and no imminent departures. It bodes well in the race for the title and makes it harder for its rivals to catch them.
Resurgent Liverpool hails Klopp
Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield heralded a turning point for the Reds, who have returned to being called the title contenders. Defensive fragility has been an issue, as has the overwhelming goalkeeper question. That aside, Liverpool have the attacking talent to spare and one of the most creative midfield in the league.
Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane given license to move freely and rampage across the forward line, they present a real headache for opposition defenders. Further back, Jordan Henderson, the Premier League’s pass master, is in the form of his life.
Liverpool’s lack of depth and inconsistency may prove to impede their title aspirations. The collapse at Bournemouth exposed Liverpool’s weaknesses at the back. It all starts with goalkeeper Loris Karius, who transmits uncertainty to the back line, while Dejan Lovren often looks unsteady. Any side that puts their back line under pressure is almost certain to get rewarded.
Jurgen Klopp needs to shore up his back four and find a greater balance if they are to stay on course for the title.
Headaches over team selection hurts Manchester City
It all started so well for Pep Guardiola with 10 straight wins in all competitions. A stunning run made his Manchester City side look like guaranteed title winners, but questionable selections and a general lack of cohesiveness have seen them stutter. Guardiola has been nowhere near as bad as much of the coverage would suggest, but neither have they been the swashbuckling team everyone hoped they would be. But, a victory against Arsenal hints at a return to form.
When this City side click, they are more than a match for the best sides. Just ask Barcelona, who found themselves beaten at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League.
Guardiola has not settled his back line at all, making changes in defense almost in every single Premier League fixture this season. Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones often look jittery, especially when asked to play the ball out from the back. The sheer amount of tinkering to his team – both in team selection and while the match is in progress – that Guardiola does suggests he is still far from knowing what works best for City.
He has made 46 team changes in the Premier League alone, more than any other manager.
Arsenal have been hot and cold
Traditional top-four finisher Arsenal have once again been hit by injuries and are back to their usual spot. The Gunners blow hot and cold as they fell from nearly equal points to nine points behind in a week.
They have shown ability and fortitude this season, but consecutive losses against Everton and Manchester City was a pin to pop that particular balloon. Their response to a setback is very important.
Arsenal have failed to perform well against the big clubs, but results this season suggest they could still overcome that. Arsenal are at their free-flowing best, but what has been most impressive about the Gunners this season has been their resilience and way of getting results when once they may have crumbled. They have also safely negotiated November, which is traditionally a bad month for them.
Conversion of Sanchez to a more central position has made the game more fluid. Sanchez received support from Walcott, Iwobi, Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil. However, Ozil has not been the assist king this season but his finishing in front of goal has vastly improved. Injuries to key players, Mustafi and Cazorla could provide a tough time for the gunners. But, the return of Welbeck and Mertesacker would act to fill the gaps.
Wenger has completed the 20-year mark and hopes that things are finally coming back together for his team.
Picture Courtesy: Skysports