Five things we learned last week from the EPL
Rodgers still hasn’t figured out the Liverpool formula
A loss to West Brom, a less convincing display against Hearts and a scrape through against Manchester City, Liverpool definitely had to beat Arsenal this past Sunday. While they failed to notch up a goal, Liverpool’s defense was absolutely in shambles when it mattered most. Lucas’ absence hurt them even more with Gerrard and Allen struggling to tidy up the void. What makes it even worse? Liverpool signed nobody, YES, nobody on deadline day! Are you kidding me?
Prediction: Rodgers should turn this around in a months’ time.
Robin Van Persie is still the best striker in the league
Arsenal fans hate him, despise him, and loathe him. On the other hand, Sir Alex could have made the buy of the season with Van Persie donning a Manchester United jersey for this upcoming year. While it is too early to certify this to be the best buy of the EPL season, Man Utd can tip themselves on clinching a record 20th League title with Kagawa, Rooney and Van Persie forging a deadly partnership up front. Their defense may not be rock solid but Sir Alex will have no problems with goals up front.
Prediction: 25 goal season, maybe more for RVP.
West Brom aren’t relegation battlers
Under Steve Clarke, West Brom has continued to play an attractive form of football. Goals are in surplus and their defense is tight with Olsson spearheading it. Mulumbu and Gera are being absolutely thorns in the opponents’ defenses with their wide and long range ball spacing whereas Long and Odemwingie are not to be under-rated with their immense pace and deftness. Four years ago, they were relegation threatened. Today, they seem to ease pass teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. Way to go, West Brom!
Prediction: A top half finish.
AVB still hasn’t got accustomed to the EPL
3 games, 2 points and millions spent in the transfer season. AVB finds himself in the hot spot for another season with him acquiring well publicized targets. Clint Dempsey, Vertonghen, Dembele and Sigurdsson were transferred in by Spurs management this off-season which makes Tottenham a favorite to finish in the top 4, something they should have bettered last season. If AVB fails to slot the North London club back into the top 4 by February, he could well bid good bye to another managerial job, and possibly a sabbatical in his young managerial career.
Prediction: Tottenham versus Arsenal could form the curry to see who takes the fourth spot on the leader board.
Aston Villa is in TROUBLEEEEEE
Five years ago, Villa nearly beat Arsenal to the top 4 spot and now, they are relegation battles. Alex Mcleish ruined Aston Villa’s football with him boasting the worst win percentage in the club’s history. If Paul Lambert is to go by what he did with Norwich last season, Villa should be fine but as of now, they look like a bookie’s favorite to face the drop into the NPower Championship.
Prediction: 15th.