Delayed, but here is my usual EPL review for match day 16 Manchester United Most of you would be surprised to see me starting with Manchester United, but for me, winning six games on the trot is not to be sniffed at. The irony is that Louis Van Gaals side have done so without playing particularly well and despite injuries to defenders. Michael Carricks return has coincided with the up turn in results, and when Angel di Maria recovers, things can only get better for the Red Devils. Even though there might have been questions over the second goal against Liverpool, Manchester United were clinical on the day and for the first time this season, even though they are eight points off top spot, I will make them title contenders, behind Manchester City and Chelsea in that order. Chelsea Jose Mourinho would be delighted to see Diego Costa return to goal scoring form and Nemanja Matics return restored the teams solidity as well. The win over Hull City was routine in the end, but was Cesc Fabregas on the pitch, it could have gotten worse for Steve Bruces side. At this rate, perhaps the only purchase Mourinho would have to make in the January transfer window would be a like for like cover for Matic, because apart from that, the team looks very very solid. Stipp my tip for the title. Manchester City Some would say that Chelseas loss has been Manchester Citys gain, with respect to Frank Lampard. The midfielder has been popping up with vital goals and his latest against Leicester City won the three points. What is worrying for Manuel Pellegrini is the loss of Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko to injury. Stevan Jovetic was not in the match day squad and so it begs the question of whether the Citizens would need a new striker next month. The likes of Lampard, David Silva and Samir Nasri would be crucial in a busy month of football, whilst the loss of Vincent Kompany to injury is also a concern. Arsenal It proved to be an excellent performance by the Gunners against Newcastle United. I know many Gunners do not particularly care for Olivier Giroud, but the Frenchman was impressive; scoring twice and Santi Cazorla took responsibility as the main man in the centre of the park for Arsenal. The Magpies had been on a decent run and so the 4-1 scoreline should not be sniffed at. Arsene Wenger may have taken loads of criticism this season, but this result will ease the pressure as the Gunners are now two points off fourth spot. Southampton The wheels are coming off for the Saints. Southampton is without a win in six games and the loss to Burnley is showing that perhaps the fairy tale start for Ronald Koemans men. Whilst I still believe that the Saints have a well organised team packed with ability, I attempted to believe that it will be very difficult for them to break back into the top four places. West Ham United It might be harsh, but teams with top four aspirations should be winning games against the likes of Sunderland, and I say that with no disrespect meant. The Hammers had to come back from behind to pick a point at the Stadium of Light and as I said weeks before, consistency is what Sam Allardyce should be looking for. The coming fixtures will tell us all whether the Hammers can actually stay in the top four, but from where I sit, it looks dicey. Liverpool I almost didnt say anything about my beloved club, because we are not at the races now. We cannot defend to save our lives and we are toothless up front. Surprisingly, we played some good football at Old Trafford, but goals remain the lifeblood of the game and so we were punished, and deservedly so by Manchester United. Top four? I seriously doubt it. What the team needs is a striker in January, because Daniel Sturridge alone cannot solve Liverpools problems. If things get worse over this month, perhaps it might be time for Brendan Rodgers to say goodbye, even though I still believe he can turn things around. He cannot have become a bad coach suddenly, but coaches live and die by results. Ask David Moyes. I believe that Chelsea are still title favourites, with rivals Manchester City and Manchester United as close contenders. Arsenal remains my bet for fourth place, with the likes of Southampton and West Ham United as dark horses. Liverpool? The least said the better...................
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 18:04:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015