The Hunt for Silver Lining

Leagues around the world are winding to a close as we enter the end of spring (already?) and the beginning of a summer that will include Euro 2012, the Summer Olympics, and World Cup Qualifying. The last few weeks of the English Premier League have seen Manchester City squander away their stranglehold on first place. City fell apart to the extent that Manchester United climbed to an eight point lead last week and it seemed that the race was all but over. Even though this has been a down year for the EPL, this race has ensured that the title run will have some excitement.

City has regained some semblance of their early season form over the last two matches, winning by a combined score of 10-1. Meanwhile, United lost to lowly Wigan and now, after Saturday’s matches, sit only two points of City with a game in hand. If United struggle with Aston Villa on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson and crew will feel less than comfortable. The Manchester derby now looms larger than ever on the last day of April.

As I mentioned before, this has been a disappointing year for the EPL. The level of competition has been lower as it seems that injuries and lack of top form have ravaged many clubs. The title race has long been a two-team race and the battle for the last two Champions League spots has seen each team try to give it away. Tottenham started strong but has faltered. Arsenal started, well, like Arsenal, but they have come back with a vengeance to snatch third place. Liverpool continues to oscillate between competent and unmotivated. Chelsea fired their millionth manager in five years but have found a way to stay competitive. And Newcastle United continue to stick around with impressive victories and striker play from Demba Ba.

Last season, I stated that the EPL was the strongest club league in the world, closely followed by Spain’s La Liga. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been so strong this year that I can no longer state this as fact. However, there is plenty left to cheer for in England. Chelsea remain alive in the Champions League and if they can play as a unit, they may have a chance to surprise Barcelona in the semifinals. Arsenal have shown that it is possible to overcome the critics and ridicule they suffered in October. The staying power of Newcastle and Tottenham give credit to the unmatched top-to-bottom depth of the Premier League.

While this season has left many sour tastes in the collective mouth of the fanbase, there is hope that all will be better. The competition at the top of the table has been running hot for several years in a row, so we had to be aware of a letdown sooner or later. Given the apparent lack of fire by some clubs, we are still being treated to battles for the title, Champions League spots, and avoiding relegation. When players return from injury or clubs like Chelsea regain stability, the battle for glory will once again be intense and fun to watch. Until then, we can enjoy what is available and savor the last few matchdays of the season.

Excitement, pressure aplenty as EPL comes to a finish (April 2011)

This season’s race to become champion of the English Premier League has certainly been an interesting one. A few years ago, the big four—Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, dominated the EPL. While those teams are still consistently toward the top half of the table, other teams are stepping up. Tottenham Hotspur (I love that nickname), Manchester City, and Everton have all had strong showings this season in creating an interesting battle for Champions League spots next year.

Though Manchester United and Arsenal had been battling for the top spot most of 2011, it was Chelsea who jumped out to a strong lead in the first half of the season, only to choke it away on over-coaching and a surprising move to bring in highly touted striker Fernando Torres. Not only has Torres struggled (scoreless in almost 700 minutes in a Chelsea uniform until his first goal Saturday), but he has also taken playing time away from the always-dangerous Didier Drogba. Admirably, Chelsea has fought back to 2^nd place, and are threatening to take the title if United should falter.

After the last week’s events, it seems that Arsenal are officially out of the title race, dropping to 9 points out of the lead after a loss at Bolton. Time and again, Arsenal field squads that are solid on paper, but are missing chemistry on the field. After he tried to inspire confidence by saying Arsenal were within reach of the Quadruple, manager Arsene Wenger can only be frustrated and befuddled by a team who fails to win the “big matches”, as rightly he should. Now he awaits his fate as to whether he will be returning to the sidelines in Emirates Stadium next season. A new manager is not necessarily the best move, but it may be what is needed to light a spark for the Gunners.

Finally, in the top spot since late last fall, Manchester United have rather quietly set themselves up for the Double (Premier and Champions League titles). After a rather disappointing loss to their Manchester counter-parts in the FA Cup, United can focus on what are the two most important races for a team of this caliber. Sir Alex Ferguson has done a rather commendable job in balancing his multitude of starting-XI worthy players throughout the various competitions; even though both Arsenal and Chelsea remain on the schedule, United should coast to the Premier League title. Many critics will view this season as one of Sir Alex’s finest if he can lock down both titles. With many intriguing matchups still remaining, the Premier League again gives fans an exciting finish to the season.