From a philosophical stance, we all learn from our actions, be it errors of judgement or times of great achievement. The Premier League, or any sports division, is no stranger to these circumstances, and with the new season beginning in a matter of days, this is optimum opportunity to consider which club could come up trumps. The Bundesliga, per se, generally showcases how one outrageously strong team reign victorious at almost every moment, but the Premier League is that touch more exciting with its startling peaks and troughs. This is not a case of one side always hoisting the trophy; this is tactical football, with a peppering of revenge and hunger for celebration. But which team has the most to attest this year?
Premier League Performances: A Point to Prove
Arsenal
Arsène Wenger’s men are a fine bunch. The exciting new transfers this summer have sculpted an extremely dazzling line of talent, and this season really could be swiftly stolen by this sturdy club. Formidable pockets of players of certain nationalities have arisen; Mathieu Debuchy has joined fellow Frenchmen and huge household names, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny, whilst world champions, Per Mertesacker, Mesut Özil and Lukas Podolski, remain figures of stunning authority. Perhaps had Sami Khedira fled Madrid, Arsenal would look even more frightening for opposition who have enjoyed the pleasure of watching Germany roam the pitch. Staggering European quality aside, Arsenal have tucked many an English youngster under their wing, including cheeky cigarette-dabbler, Jack Wilshere, and Southampton-reared Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Aaron Ramsey has made himself a name at the club, just as Alexis Sánchez will no doubt do the same. His undeniable prowess for Chile lately has been a hot topic, and if he can shake up the Premier League in much the same fashion, things could be looking particularly sweet for Wenger and co. I have a rather interesting feeling about Arsenal this season; they appear to have a squad so good it should be illegal.
Chelsea
Here is another London team to be the favourites in prior years, but nonetheless have slipped dramatically. Again, had Khedira skipped over to England, they could have profited largely from his meticulous playmaking, but no such luck for the boys in blue. However, with David Luiz’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, any sloppy defending and/or haphazard movement up the pitch should be minimised with a happy outcome. Further still, with Diego Costa now on the team and already paving the way for success, whilst ethereal figurehead Didier Drogba, is back in action for Chelsea, they could be another team set for a stonking season (well, provided that Mr. Drogba makes a speedy recovery). Cesc Fàbregas is another raring to have a spell of great impact with the side, whilst André Schürrle will be bouncing off each and every wall with joy after his fabulous triumph at the World Cup, so should be ready to impart some wisdom on his teammates. For the same reason, I fail to see Oscar will be too chipper.
Manchester United
They are a team rather well compared to Marmite (you know how the rhyme goes); fan or enemy, the limelight will undoubtedly be on the team following the alleged disaster that was last season. For a team susceptible to seeing glistening awards and cups laid out ahead, they were wholly disappointed for good reason in the last competition. However, whether David Moyes was blamed appropriately or wrongly by those who could not tolerate losing, this will certainly be a time for vengeance for the Manchester United squad. Unfortunately, Mats Hummels rejected their offer for transfer, whilst Louis van Gaal had additionally invited Arjen Robben to join the team and he too was not inclined to budge. However, van Gaal is in charge of a fairly tough side, but they have a lot to show this season. For players such as Wayne Rooney, after such a lacklustre World Cup campaign, he should be bustling to swing back into action, despite the loss of longstanding ex-club mate, Rio Ferdinand, to Queens Park Rangers. If Manchester United were to suffer major blows again, perhaps David Moyes would be removed from any sort of hit list possessed by fans, and then the team would be accountable rather than the manager.
Manchester City
The current victors have been strong for the past few years, boasting a squad with superb potential and accredited play. As current title holders, I should imagine that the game plan will be something along the lines of repeating the fool proof action of the last season and producing great results again, despite a tight finish. However, with so many other clubs looking poised to pounce, Manchester City will need to adjust their shirts and pull their socks up crisply in order to defend their honour. After poor efforts from certain international sides in the World Cup, there will certainly be players desperate to shine at league level; Joe Hart’s England were shoddy (as expected), Samir Nasri was left to watch the antics from the comfort of France, instead of the bench, whilst Sergio Agüero’s home side will still be feeling bitter about their second place medals. Suffice to say, this is a team of depth, ready to strike whilst the iron is white hot.
Liverpool
I say Liverpool, but I could mean Southampton, for Brendan Rodgers’ boys are looking particularly fierce with Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert now aboard. Regardless, there are some well nurtured young English players who have not derived from Saints FC; Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling now both have an idea about what it takes to play on the world stage, and can bring that attitude to the club. Liverpool’s positive streak last season was ousted purely by their lack of desire at the final hurdle, though this might not be the problem so much this time around, for dastardly chomper, Luis Suarez, no longer hangs his boots in their changing room. Understandably, the absence of the star striker is cause for concern for the club, but with so much young potential harboured on the team, this season is as much their’s as anybody else’s.
These five are in super shape for the start of the league and could clearly win the title. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton might both be seeking redemption; one due to a bad season following transfers that did not pay off, the other as it could be argued that they sold their best players.
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