Sol Campbell has claimed that Arsenal are superior to Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the North London Derby this Saturday, according to reports from the London Evening Standard.
Tottenham have been trying to close the gap on their local rivals ever since the Premier League began in 1992, but they have now climbed out of the Gunners’ shadows to sit 2nd on the table.
Although Arsene Wenger’s men are not far behind just three points off the Lilywhites, they know that only a win at White Hart Lane will suffice after a poor run of just two victories in their last eight league games.
However, Campbell, who controversially played for both clubs, believes that Arsenal are still the better side due to their higher quality of football.
“If you’re looking at quality of football then Arsenal’s quality of football has been superior,” he told 888sport.
“You have to look at it over five to ten years to see how consistent they are and Tottenham have really come into their own this season. They have improved but let’s see after five seasons.”
The former England defender went on to add that the Gunners’ recent poor form is the reason they’re playing catch-up, and it has to start with a win in the derby this weekend.
He added: “For Arsenal it’s catch-up time but they are very lucky they’re playing Tottenham because they at least have a chance to rectify it. What if they didn’t have a derby and it wasn’t in your hands to beat them and pull them back?
“Spurs are working as a fantastic unit and for me it’s all about consistency. They’ve had a great season and let’s see how they finish it off.
“This week they have two derbies and that’s mentally tough and physically tough. If they get through all these big games they deserve to win it.”
With the international break now over, it’s time to get back into selecting your Fantasy Premier League team for Gameweek 32.
Given that we are heading into the final few fixtures of the campaign, it’s all down to perfect planning and player selection, with differentials likely to also play a big part in your success.
With a double gameweek coming up, you need to begin plotting a number of future moves in order to avoid some players getting zero points should their team not feature in the following fixtures.
In the previous round of fixtures we went with Chelsea’s Bertrand Traore, West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon, and Sunderland’s Jermaine Defoe.
Traore failed to feature the full fixture and only managed to pick up a point, while Rondon was unable to net his third goal in three games, registering only two points.
However, Defoe managed to net his 12th goal of the campaign, registering a total of eight points courtesy of playing the full 90 minutes and getting a bonus as well.
So, here are three possible Fantasy Premier League differentials for you to consider ahead of Gameweek 32.
Michail Antonio
West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio (5.4 and owned by 4.2%) could be a very beneficial selection given that he has been on very good form in recent months. He has scored three goals in his previous four fixtures, totaling six goals and three assists so far.
The Hammers will take on Crystal Palace, who are currently sitting 16th on the table and have not won any of their previous 13 league fixtures. A win for West Ham will also keep them in contention for a top four spot as they only trail fourth place side Manchester City by a point.
Pedro
Chelsea forward Pedro (8.8 and owned by 2.0%) could be another great choice given that Eden Hazard is still struggling with a hip injury. The former Barcelona star has been struggling to hold down a regular role, but could now have the chance to prove himself against relegation threaten side Aston Villa.
With Villa already losing 58 goals this season, Blues boss Guus Hiddink is expected to tell his squad to go on the attack. Pedro has already scored four goals while providing another three assist and could now add to his tally as well as prove himself before Hazard returns to full fitness.
Danny Welbeck
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck (7.3 and owned by 1.1%) has been on great form ever since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He only made his first appearance of the campaign back in Gameweek 26, scoring a goal despite only playing eight minutes as a substitute.
He has since gone to score three goals while providing one assist from his last five fixtures and is in line to start against 14th place Watford. The Gunners will need to ensure that they pick up all three points this weekend as they could still miss out on a top four spot.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that Mikel Arteta could well join Manchester City this summer and become part of the Etihad Stadium outfit’s coaching team.
Rumours in the European press have insinuated that Citizens’ manager-in-waiting Pep Guardiola wants his countryman in Manchester to play a role in the back room staff.
Arteta has had injury concerns this term at the Emirates Stadium and is out of contract at the end of the season, with a North London exit looking increasingly likely.
The Spaniard has been an important player for Wenger’s side in recent years but his influence has waned as age has caught up with the former Rangers star.
Wenger has hailed Arteta’s influence at Arsenal but admitted that there was every chance that the veteran could join City in the summer.
“It is possible,” The Guardian quote the Frenchman as saying.
“It is true that he is out of contract here and when his contract finishes it is a good opportunity for me to thank him for his contribution, not only as a player but also as a leader.
“What kind of orientation will he give now to his career? I heard about that possibility but he could inform you much better than I can. He is free to decide to do what he wants, he will certainly need some time to reflect on whether he continues to play.
“I still think he can play, in the last months he has come back to a very good physical level and he is a position today where he can continue to play and he would be a very good player everywhere.”
Arteta has not started a Premier League game for the Gunners this season but made eight brief appearances from the bench over the course of the campaign.
Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny are now Wenger’s first-choice pairing in central midfield.
One of the most exciting things for Celtic fans in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ appointment is the prospect of him developing Celtic’s young talent.
Rodgers has a long, storied history working at youth level, both at Chelsea and Reading, identifying talent and progressing them as players. As a first-team manager too he’s often given young players their big break.
Celtic have a number of ambitious young players, either established in the first-team or just breaking through, that have the chance to really stake a claim at making a career at the Bhoys.
Here are FIVE Celtic youngsters that could shine in the coming campaign…
Jack Aitchison
Just last year Jack Aitchison was playing U-15s football while still attending school. Only turning full-time in February, he ended season 2015/16 scoring at Celtic Park for the first team in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season.
It’s been a meteoric rise for the young striker but his instinct and finishing ability in that game against Motherwell showed why he was given the opportunity to become Celtic’s youngest ever player and youngest ever goalscorer.
Before all of that happened he was given a 3-year contract with the club and now has the room and the confidence to grow as a footballer.
The coming season could be even better for the youngster and fans are no doubt eager to see what else he can offer.
Anthony Ralston
Young right-back Anthony Ralston showed great determination and spirit this season in his bid to break through to the Celtic first team.
After gaining vital first team experience at Queen’s Park earlier in the campaign, including scoring the above winning goal, he returned to Celtic only to suffer two back-to-back injuries.
Working hard to make an impact, he was awarded with his debut for the club against St Johnstone in the penultimate game of the league season.
Further faith was shown just this Monday when he was given a 3-year contract, ensuring that he’ll have a chance to impress new manager Brendan Rodgers and compete with Mikael Lustig & Saidy Janko for a starting position.
Aidan Nesbitt
Aidan Nesbitt is one of the most exciting prospects coming through the Celtic Youth Academy currently. The attacking midfielder made his first team debut back in September, coming off the bench in a League Cup match against Raith Rovers.
He would have undoubtedly made more appearances were it not for the fact he was given an opportunity to get regular Scottish Premiership football under his belt on loan at Partick Thistle. He impressed at Thistle in a number of games including a man of the match performance on his debut against St Johnstone.
His stellar campaign was capped off when he was awarded Celtic’s Academy Player of the Year award in May. With his contract at the club extended by 3 and a half years in October and at 19-years old, he is potentially better placed than any other non-established youngster to make his mark in Brendan Rodgers’ team.
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Calvin Miller
Yet another young player to sign a 3-year contract last season, Calvin Miller will be hoping he can impress Brendan Rodgers enough this summer to be included in matchday squads on a regular basis.
He’s certainly aware of the opportunity, telling CelticFC.net: “I have heard the new manager say that he is big on youth and wants to bring through players, so hopefully I can do that in pre-season.”
The 18-year old attacker was a vital part of Celtic’s Development Side that went the entire 2015/16 league season unbeaten, a phenomenal achievement at any level. He’s the only one of our five yet to make his first team competitive debut and that will surely be an aim for the youngster over the next 12 months.
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Kieran Tierney
Last but certainly not least is Kieran Tierney. Everyone knows about the young left-back by now and we took an extended look at him in our feature last month.
We’re including him here because he’s the prototype for the four previous players in this gallery. He’s proof than any of them can make the breakthrough and impress in the first team on a regular basis.
Like all of them he signed a new contract with the club last season, the first of the five to do so. Like all of them he featured extensively for Celtic’s Development Squad. Like all of them he’s a tireless worker with a great attitude.
He has more to offer too and, like all of them, has the chance under Brendan Rodgers to fully realise his potential in the coming season.
If there’s anything we all love in football, it’s a good ol’ fashioned derby match, wherever you are in the world.
Whether it’s the keenly contested battle of Scottish champions Rangers and Celtic to the competition for Merseyside, we all love it when football’s big guns come up against one another.
And in the capital, football’s biggest game normally rolls around when Spurs do battle with Arsenal in the South London derby. We’ve seen some fantastic games between the two in recent times, but what we’ve seen more and more over the past couple of seasons is how the gap has been closing in quality.
Tottenham, until extremely late on last season led the way for the Premier League title, and were arguably the only side to keep tabs on Leicester City the whole way through.
So with Spurs on the up, what could the Gunners learn from Pochettino’s side in the season ahead, based on what we saw last time out?
Here’s three suggestions…
Hold off that “big club” tag
This, on the surface might sound a little odd, but allow for some explanation.
Some Arsenal fans believe their side face the same sort of issues as the England national team when it comes to international tournaments- they just can’t perform.
Where the likes of Italy, Portugal and arguably even France can avoid being singled out as “big international sides”, England are branded as contenders from the start, and they’re seemingly struggling before they’ve even set off, and some feel the same with Arsenal.
Their fans expect results season-after-season, and we seem to see the same Wenger-esque arguments arising every season, regardless of who the manager signs. It’s a little like the FA- whoever is appointed, he will always face the wrath of the supporters, whatever happens out on the pitch.
For years, Spurs have managed to avoid this, and they can play care-free football because of it, which for them, is only a positive.
Spend money…
Football – Tottenham Hotspur v Coventry City – FA Cup Third Round – White Hart Lane – 5/1/13Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy watches from the standsMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsLivepic
You can argue Spurs’ £90million transfer spending in 2013 was just because they had the money from Gareth Bale, but credit the Spurs hierarchy, they do spend money when they think the club needs investment.
Yes, some of the signings didn’t work out and some just took time to settle, but you always get the feeling Tottenham are never going to be short of funding, if the manager feels he needs to improve his side.
Much like the stadium, they’re funding that to improve and grow, and you just don’t get that feeling from Arsenal and Wenger.
The French manager’s obsession with panic-buying to appease supporters is getting a little old, and you can’t help but wonder if Kroenke and co could put their hands in their pockets to help the gaffer out a little more once in a while.
Get the best out of English talent
As English talent goes, Spurs really are topping the bill with their array on show these days. Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker come to mind when we are considering English gems that have done well at White Hart Lane over the past season, whereas Arsenal have struggled to develop theirs to their true potential.
We’ve seen the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshire (albeit through injury), Calum Chambers, Kieron Gibbs and Karl Jenkinson all fade away over the past couple of years.
And it could come down to that panic-buying we mentioned earlier. Whilst these players might need a bit of time to develop, supporters want big names and Wenger has conceded, signing the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez when he does have similar, English players in his ranks already.
We’re not trying to say that Spurs have developed every single English player to their maximum over the past decade or so, but right now, Pochettino is getting the best out of the Lions at his disposal.
It may lead Arsene to ask what the Argentinian is feeding his players for breakfast.
Manchester City are closing in on a €32m (£26.8m) move for Palmeiras’ highly-rated forward Gabriel Jesus, with Pep Guardiola having spoken to him, according to reports.
The 19-year-old starlet is currently one the of the golden boys of Brazilian football, with his 10 goals in 2016 Serie A action for his club side making him the division’s top scorer.
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His performances have led to a role in the Selecao’s U-23 side – where he will be playing alongside Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa and Neymar – for the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, while there have been suggestions that the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keen on him.
However, it’s understood that a £28.6m move to Man City is close, with Guardiola having convinced the player that England is the right place for him
Respected Twitter account Selecao Brasileira claim to have spoken to a top journalist in Brazil about the situation, with the source revealing that a deal is close and that a conversation between Guardiola and Gabriel Jesus was key in swaying the young attacker:
“Got confirmation from journalist covering Brazil training camp. City €32M offer for Gabriel Jesus is a reality. Palmeiras satisfied w/ fee.
“The agreement until this moment is verbal, not paper. The fact all sides are happy suggests finalising the deal is a matter of time.
“Gabriel was initially not considering City. He felt “valued” when Guardiola called him and is now excited with idea of City as destination.”
These claims are echoed by Globo, who reveal that Gabriel Jesus and Guardiola spoke on the phone for 15 minutes.
The account went on to reveal that a deal is likely to be held off until 2017, with the player keen to stay with Palmeiras as they compete for the 2016 title in Brazil:
“Gabriel Jesus’ side informed City his wish to stay at Palmeiras until ‘at least’ January 2017. The English club’s reply was positive.”
Again, these suggestions are backed up by recent reports from UOL Esporte, that suggested a deal will be kept on ice with Palmeiras top of the table and looking to maintain their position.
According to reports from The Express, Manchester City could revive their interest in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci during the January transfer window.
What’s the word?
After being strongly linked with the Italian centre-back during the summer, The Express claim Pep Guardiola is ready to go back in for Bouncci due to Vincent Kompany’s injury problems. The Belgium international made his comeback – and his first competitive appearance under Guardiola – on Wednesday night. But he limped off with a hamstring problem in the dying embers of a 2-1 win over Swansea City in the League Cup – although it remains to be seen how serious the injury actually is.
The Express believe Kompany’s latest scare is ‘likely to lead to a renewed bid’ for Bonucci, with Guardiola seemingly running out of patience with the City skipper.
Is he any good?
Will Bonucci be remembered as one of the all-time greats? It’s possible yet unlikely. But amid an era in which truly world-class centre-backs are a worryingly rare breed, the Juventus man is one of the best options out there. He’s been at the epicentre of the Old Lady’s last five Serie A titles and was a key part of the team that reached the 2015 Champions League final, so his experience and ability is undoubted. Likewise, he boasts 63 caps for the Italian national team, including an outing in the EURO 2012 final. But perhaps most importantly of all, the 29-year-old combines leadership and organisation with ability on the ball – something every player in a Guardiola team fundamentally needs.
Isn’t this just rumour mongering?
Perhaps. The Express aren’t exactly reliable when it comes to such stories – in fact, they usually rip them off from the even less reliable Italian press before throwing five irrelevant Premier League clubs into the title for good measure. Similarly, some City fans will point to the fact Guardiola spent nearly £50million on John Stones during the summer; is he really going to invest heavily in another defender – especially one that turns 30 before the end of the season?
That being said, City were heavily linked with Bonucci during the summer, with some reports even claiming his agent travelled to Manchester to hold talks with the Etihad Stadium outfit and others alleging a £38million bid was rejected by the Italian giants. The stories largely stem from Guardiola describing Bouncci as one of his ‘favourite-ever players’ in February, following a Champions League clash between Juve and the Spaniard’s former employers, Bayern Munich.
Is a January deal likely then?
We at FootballFanCast aren’t exactly convinced. Even after signing Medhi Benatia during the summer, Juventus will be incredibly reluctant to lose a key player mid-season. That doesn’t mean Man City won’t try to sign him, but there was talk of a world-record transfer fee for a defender being required to nab him back in July. The Citizens have a lot of money, but they aren’t crazy.
However, especially with Kompany injured, City are short at the heart of defence. Full-back Aleksandar Kolarov and defensive midfielder Fernando have already been drafted in to fill the void this season and should City’s title charge begin to stutter, Guardiola may feel compelled to spend big on proven ability.
With all the talk of goals and free-flowing football, and Sky Sports’ cringe-inducing ‘Red Monday’ coverage, many had a sneaking suspicion Liverpool vs. Manchester United would be a damp squib. And that was indeed the case, as Jose Mourinho’s men nullified Jurgen Klopp’s flying Reds with a backs-to-the-wall performance reminiscent of when his Chelsea team killed the Merseysiders’ title hopes in 2013/14.
The 90 minutes at Anfield would not have been appreciated by lovers of goals, while tactical purists may have also found little to keep them going as Man United stuck resolutely to a back six when out of possession, with a further two holding midfielders in front, and played purely for the point – which, to their credit, they got.
However, result aside, it was a bleak night for the travelling fans (and those watching from further afield) and we at Football FanCast think there are some worrying trends emerging in the Red Devils’ camp. With that in mind, here are FIVE…
Admission from Mou that his team’s not up to scratch
To travel to your biggest rivals and set up with eight men behind the ball is essentially an admission that your team cannot compete in a straight-up football match. For all the lauding and claims of the 90 minutes at Anfield being the latest ‘Mourinho masterclass’, many fans would have been frustrated to see the negative play on show and the sheer lack of willingness to even entertain attacking the Liverpool goal after a 20 minute flurry at the start of the game.
Indeed, the bulk of Man United’s shots were from distance, with the fear of losing the ball and being counter-attacked by their opponents clearly on their mind – surely a direct result of their manager’s pre-match messages and tactical approach to the game.
How long until key players become frustrated?
To send the world’s most expensive player out onto the pitch with the basic instruction of ‘run around a bit’ is disappointing to say the least. Man United’s formation was essentially eight men behind the ball when out of possession with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic tasked with attempting to disrupt Liverpool’s backline. The Frenchman must be questioning what is going on, with the 23-year-old either shunted out of position to accommodate others or tasked with doing the hard yards rather than using his natural talent.
De Gea still the key man
Man United defended well as a team, but had it not been for two quality saves from David de Gea, their efforts would have been in vain. The Spaniard’s stop from Philippe Coutinho’s drive from distance may have made for better video footage, but it was his keeping out of Emre Can’s left-footed shot from inside the area that was key. The German’s effort came through a crowd of players and took a slight deflection, making the way the stopper got down low to keep it out truly special.
For all the money thrown at this Man United XI, to have the goalkeeper continue being the key man is a cause for concern.
Still some way off the pace
A loss would really have put Man United’s position in the ‘title race’ in jeopardy as Liverpool would have moved six points clear of them, but even a draw has done little for their cause. Indeed, the Red Devils trail leaders Man City and Arsenal by five points and sit seventh, below Everton, and have the likes of Southampton gaining on them. Monday night was an opportunity to haul themselves back into the running after rivals slipped up across the weekend, which makes the lack of ambition all the more concerning.
Tough run of fixtures
Man United face Fenerbahce (H), Chelsea, (A) and Manchester City (H) in their next three games over the coming week. Granted, only the middle match will have an impact on their league position, but Mourinho’s men desperately need momentum. Playing tough Turkish opponents and hosting their bitter local rivals in the cup will not be welcomed with open arms by the Manchester giants.
According to reports from Mirror Football, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has emerged as a potential transfer target for Crystal Palace.
What’s the word?
After a starring role in Chelsea’s 2014/15 Premier League title, Ivanovic has endured almost 18 months of continually declining form. Indeed, he was dropped for significant periods by Jose Mourinho last season (although he certainly wasn’t the only Blues regular to suffer the Portuguese’s wrath) and was deemed culpable for a spate of concedes during Chelsea’s three-game winless run under Antonio Conte in September – including defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Fan feeling towards the Serbian international has significantly changed in that period (evident enough through our poll below) and his contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Chelsea’s policy of only handing one-year extensions to players over 30, and usually at the latest point possible, is well-known, but Mirror Football claim Crystal Palace are interested in taking the veteran defender off the west London outfit’s hands – one assumes on a free transfer next summer, rather than in January.
Has Ivanovic been made a scapegoat?
To some extent. Chelsea’s entire squad performed below expectations last term, not least including 2015 PFA Player of the Year winner Eden Hazard, and the Blues’ dramatic improvements defensively since Ivanovic was dropped after the Arsenal defeat stem as much from Conte’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation as the consequential change in personnel.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to ignore that Chelsea have claimed four wins and four clean sheets whilst the 32-year-old has been left on the sidelines and originally converted from a centre-half, he just doesn’t have the pace or stamina to perform the almost box-to-box services expected of modern day full-backs. Likewise, Ivanovic could theoretically line up as a wing-back or a centre-back in Chelsea’s current formation, but Conte has overlooked him for both roles – which in itself is rather telling.
Would he be a good signing for Palace?
Already into his veteran years, Ivanovic would only ever be a short-term acquisition for Palace. But only five sides have conceded more goals than Alan Pardew’s team this season and they’re still awaiting a first clean sheet of the campaign, excepting a 2-0 win over fourth-tier Blackpool in the League Cup. Clearly defensive improvements are needed and with Damien Delaney now 35 years of age, Ivanovic represents an experienced replacement at the heart of defence – although the Eagles did sign James Tomkins from West Ham during the summer.
At right-back, however, Joel Ward’s long-term association with the South London club has seemingly made him a permanence in that position regardless of Palace’s league standing, so it seems unlikely he’ll be ousted in favour of a defender who’ll turn 33 by the time he (hypothetically) arrives at Selhurst Park next summer. Here’s a look at how his form has compared to Palace’s other defensive options this season based on per-game metrics, courtesy of Squawka.
Is there any truth to the rumour then?
No doubt, Palace are a logical club to link the Serb with. A player of Ivanovic’s experience and profile would naturally appeal to them and mid-table Premier League sides could certainly do a lot worse than signing a former Champions League winner on a free transfer, even if he comes with sizeable wages. At the same time, it’s likely Ivanovic will want to stay in London if Chelsea don’t offer him fresh terms beyond the summer.
Yet, Mirror Football’s report isn’t the most convincing. It labels Ivanovic as a ‘potential’ target, doesn’t make clear whether Palace want to sign him in January or next summer and ambiguously claims several other Premier League teams, clubs from across Europe and the Far East are all interested, without naming any of them. Likewise, the Eagles aren’t actually mentioned after the first line of the article.
With that in mind, this story could well be sourced from Ivanovic’s representatives, trying to force Chelsea’s hand in offering a new deal. But that’s pure speculation on Football FanCast’s part.
Predicting the outcome of the Premier League without having opened our advent calendars is pretty gutsy. Last season is a recent, haunting reminder of that. Who would have picked Leicester to lift the Premier League in November last season? Madmen and Gary Lineker, that’s who.Nailing colours to a mast, backing a horse – whatever you want to call it – predicting anything in sport is destined to make you look like a plank more often than not. It will be, for the most part, looked at retrospectively as a complete error of judgement. One of the best examples of this is the tweet below regarding Charlie Adam’s move to Liverpool a few years back.
Regardless of any potential (near guaranteed) embarrassment, you have to speculate to accumulate, don’t you? And speculation is a pretty fun pastime.
As we seem to hear every few years, this season is destined to be the most open, most exciting, most fun – most everything positive under the sun – title race in living memory. For once, however, the credentials for this season’s battle royale actually look rather good. An influx of excellent, varied managers, relative squad parity and a healthy portion of ‘narrative’ leaves us with a mouth-watering season.
So far, then, we have had a breathtaking start from Manchester City, continued (excluding that Burnley game) attacking brilliance from Liverpool, a stunning rejuvenation from Chelsea and a dire start for Manchester United.
Arsenal have been good, too. The Gunners looked free in the final third with Alexis Sanchez leading the line and are now welcoming back Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey. The signing of Shkodran Mustafi has made the defence look stronger than it has for about a decade. Spurs are still unbeaten, but are blighted by draws and a shortage of creativity and goals from midfield.
The current waves of superlatives are in the red half of Liverpool and blue segment of West London. A dip in form domestically for Manchester City, Arsenal’s consistency and Spurs’ winless run have seen the momentum fall towards Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte. Both teams produced astonishing performances at the weekend, heightening the ‘its their year’ and ‘three at the back solves everything’ narratives respectively.
Spurs’ squad looks stretched, despite summer investment. Harry Kane has returned after an injury, that will have given him some needed rest, but the weight on his shoulders seems to be getting heavier, as his teammates continue to fail to provide in the final third. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have struggled to build up the sort of momentum that made them such a force last year and have dearly missed Toby Alderweireld of late.
Britain Football Soccer – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 6/11/16Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino shakes hands with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after the matchReuters / Toby MelvilleLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contac
Manchester United’s first league win since September against Swansea just about keeps them in contention, yet the level of performances make a top four place look like the ceiling for them this season. Their rivals for the most part of the 1990s and early 2000s, Arsenal, have started stronger than many would have expected after an all too predictable defeat to open the season against Liverpool. Arsene Wenger seems to have found a balance in his team and this season, perhaps more than any other, and the Gunners look the complete article, ready to realistically mount an entire campaign of title challenging.
Manchester City’s quality and Pep Guardiola still loom large over the title race. Even after a run of one win in five Premier League games, Guardiola’s team reside only two points away from the summit, such was the quality of their start to the season. The fitness of Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne is vital, just as key players are to any team. Aguero’s lethal finishing, De Bruyne’s creativity and Guardiola’s ability to manipulate any game in their favour makes it hard to see past City sneaking the crown this season. The performance against Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium shows the inspiring potential this City team have.
A lack of European football makes Liverpool and Chelsea close behind and, if they keep up their current form levels until Christmas, will have changed perceptions. The additional rest is already paying dividends for Klopp and Conte and, if they are to go all the way, could be the difference maker.
Right at this moment in time, Tottenham and Manchester United look like a top four finish would be a success. Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal could fight this title out right into the depths of the spring. Guardiola, Aguero and De Bruyne give the Citizens a minute edge over the others right now, but that is as far as any advantage goes.