You certainly cannot predict any outcomes for a premier
league season after the first two weeks of games. However, you can certainly
pinpoint certain aspects that will significantly influence the direction that
this league will go in. They may be an obvious brand of football played by a
certain team, a new eye- catching signing, a worryingly leaky defence, a very
'shy in front of goal' offence, a serious injury or a much- improved all round
unit.
We have certainly seen all of these aspects and a lot more
already this year. Let us start with one of the biggest clubs in English League
history, Liverpool, and their start under the new of management Brendan
Rodgers.
Now Rodgers grabbed the attention of the footballing world
after he took Swansea City to the Premier League and then maintained their
position there in an impressive two year spell at the Welsh club. He became
well-known for his unique brand of passing and attractive football making him a
firm target for the Merseyside club. He could not have made a worse start to
his new career when he watched his team go down 3-0 to a West Brom team after a
Zoltan Gera screamer and some dubious referee decisions.
In that game, there were definite signs that Rodgers intends
to bring his passing style of play to Liverpool. Former Swans players Joe Allen
and Fabio Borini made the team, whilst Andy Carroll was resigned to the bench.
This certainly shows Rodgers determination to do things his way at his new
club, casting even more doubts on the future of the England centre forward.
However, it was Liverpool's second game against champions,
Man City, where we saw the best of Rodgers trademark attractive football and if
it wasn't for two disastrous mistakes by the Liverpool defence, it would have
been enough to take all three points against Mancini's men.
It may not be enough to challenge for the Premier League
title this campaign but I certainly believe it is a new beginning for Liverpool
football club. Rodgers can achieve great things at the club, his plans are
certainly long term and the likes of Borini, Allen and 17 year old Raheem
Sterling, who was incredibly impressive against City, will play a huge part in
taking Liverpool back to the top. I’m predicting a 4th/5th
place finish for Liverpool this year. I’m also predicting the kop to fall in
love with Brendan Rodgers. His style of play is so attractive; you really do
feel like you are getting your money’s worth when you attend the games, Swans
fans will tell you that.
What effect has the transfer market had on the league this
year? Well for Wigan, Reading and Newcastle you could say it has been
Hazardous. Yes, I am talking about Chelsea’s big signing of the summer, Eden
Hazard, who in his first three games for the London club has been instrumental.
With quick feet, pace to burn and great vision he has adapted to life in the
Premier League with complete ease, his interplay with Fernando Torres and Juan
Mata has given Chelsea a real threatening offensive line which could actually
rival the two Manchester Clubs in the race for the title. Already Hazard has
six assists and a goal for his new club.
I actually think that Chelsea have a very strong chance this
season. Along with the signing of Hazard, there seems to be less pressure on
them, compared to what has been in the past. Fernando Torres seems to be back to his best
but I think Chelsea could ease his workload with a back-up for the former
Athletico Madrid and Liverpool man. It is a lot to ask of the young Englishman,
Daniel Sturridge, should Torres pickup an injury or suspension. However, I’m
predicting a 1st/2nd place finish for the blues.
Before the next round of games I will look at the impressive
start made by Swansea City. I will also look at the chances of last year’s
runners up and the so called ‘Robin Effect’.
