The football season is back!
It is just the middle of August, with about two more weeks of transfer window left. Yet, from the transfers and managerial changes that have happened so far, one of the most eventful and fascinating season of English football is set to commence.
Well, any season always seems exciting after about 10 weeks of summer break. After weeks of watching international football and the pointless exercise of watching Olympic football, I just can’t wait for the English season to begin. Two months of mental wilderness during the absence of premier league! That torture is set to end shortly.
Looking into the new season, both the Manchester clubs will continue to fight like dogs to come out on top of each other, with United wounded after that mother-of-all season ending. At the time of writing this, City have only signed Jack Rodwell (even Wigan have been more busy in the transfer market than City!) and United having signed the exciting Kagawa. United lost out Lucas Moura to PSG, but are expected to add at least one other big name signing to their squad by the end of August in their quest to dislodge their cross town rivals.
Then come Arsenal. With the signings of Cazorla (a lovely player who will add an element of silk to the Premier League), Podolski and Giroud, they probably have the most potent presence in the final third, but their best piece of transfer activity could yet be retaining their talisman Van Persie. It could all have been a stunt by the Dutchman to make the Arsenal board dip into their wallet, and it seems to have worked.
For all their signings, Arsenal look dangerously vulnerable at the back. Injuries to first choice defenders could prove to be disastrous, unless Wenger strengthens that area too. Their London rivals and European Champions (sounds odd to call Chelsea as European Champions!) have gone on with their own spending spree. Hazard and Oscar should add much needed life into an otherwise woefully unimaginative Chelsea squad. Chelsea’s line up with Hazard, Oscar, Mata and Torres looks very strong on paper, but titles are not won on paper. It should be interesting to see how Di Matteo eases in the changes. He will be under more pressure than last season (he cannot get away with parking the bus this year) when he was just the caretaker manager. With the added weight of a European crown and the full time job he needs to get his act right, as Chelsea have a not-so-patient history with their managers.
Across London, Spurs have hired the man who got the sack at Chelsea. AVB, now has a young squad made up of lesser egos. His honesty and footballing philosophy will be tested with his second attempt in England and he definitely has a point or two to prove.
Back to the North West, where Brendon Rodgers is set to try and revolutionize Liverpool. Although there is less pressure (owners have come out and said that a top four finish is not mandatory, taking pressure of Rodgers) yet it’s never easy for someone to be in charge of the bootroom at Anfield. His preferred pass-and-move style of play and approach to the game is refreshing, and if he can hit the ground running at Liverpool, then fans of the good old club (including me!) have reasons to be optimistic of the future. I am just hoping that it is just not another one of those false dawns which have become so common with Liverpool’s pre-seasons.
Newcastle seems to have been silent in the transfer window, but again their best business has been retaining their proven performers (Cabaye, Tiote, Ba, Cisse and Coloccini). They have the extra fixtures this season with their involvement in Europa League. Unlike last season, where there were no expectations, this season their performances will be under higher scrutiny.
Elsewhere, Swansea has got a gem of replacement in the form of the legendary former Danish playmaker Michael Laudrup. He had a pretty successful time at Getafe, operating on a tight budget and yet churning out results with attractive football. Aston Villa’s appointment of Lambert has breathed fresh air into Villa Park after a tumultous season under Alex McLeish. Martin O’Neill‘s sides have traditionally done well in the league and if things go well, then Sunderland should be aiming at the top half of the table after a disappointing time last season.
The new boys West Ham, Reading and Southampton have all spent big to guarantee their battle against relegation. It is very nice to see Southampton back in top flight.
It would be just wonderful if the ugly issues that threatened the serenity of the game last season (Terry-Ferdinand, Suarez-Evra etc.) are kept out. In all, this season has all the elements to give us yet another lovely year of football. And just like every one of you, I simply can’t wait for the new season to commence.