The Most Exciting Season in History?

Article by e-Football Correspondent Lee Beevor

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For as long as I can remember, the Premier League title has been contested by two or maybe three teams. There have even been seasons like the last, where one side builds an unassailable lead and the interest in the race is over by March. Of course I didn’t mind this in 2006, when my Chelsea set multiple records in Jose’s second season as manager. But for everybody else, it is quite frankly dull. Thankfully, this term could not be more different from some of the processions of the past.

With twelve matches to go (thirteen for City), the top five clubs are separated by only seven points. It would be unfair to rule out any of these teams, who in different ways have proved their credentials as genuine challengers. My Chelsea sit proudly at the summit, albeit are somewhat fortunate to be there given the disappointing 1-1 with our bogey side, WBA. This was a reminder that Jose is correct in his assessment of an evolving and developing group. The 2005/06 Chelsea would have steamrolled Albion, clinically and ruthlessly. The 2014 side is still a touch frail and has a tendency to throw in the odd awful performance, just when you think they are on a roll.

In second place is Manchester City, with the deepest squad in the Premier League. City possesses a potent strike force, backed by a creative genius in Silva and two destroyers in Yaya and Fernandinho. Aside from Kompany, they are brittle at the back and have experienced problems reproducing their awesome home form away from the Etihad. This could be a problem for them, as they have to travel to Anfield and the Emirates in their run-in. The cancelled fixture with Sunderland could also stretch them, as their schedule is already packed, due to being in all four competitions. The close proximity of games will tire and test them to the limit in the next three months.

Arsenal cannot be discounted based on their last two outings. There is no shame in losing at Anfield and United are not as bad as the media would have you believe. Their midfield is arguably better than any other and every time they suffer an injury, another individual steps up and delivers. At the start it was Ramsey and Ozil, then Wilshere came back, followed by Walcott. They all chipped in when needed and even the Ox popped up as match winner recently against Palace. For Arsenal, the next four weeks could see them slide away, as their fixtures are brutal. However, to dismiss them now is premature.

Liverpool is still a long shot and I have written two articles in recent times of why they can and can’t win the league! Like City, their attacking power is formidable and is backed by two excellent central midfielders in Gerrard and Henderson. Their small squad will not cause them too many problems, as key players can rest whilst their rivals endure the demands of European engagements. Then there is the fact that they host both Chelsea and City in April. Should they remain within touching distance to this point, their fate will be in their own hands. On the negative side, the defence is porous and the keeper prone to errors. Ultimately, the champions tend to have the best defences, a requirement Liverpool cannot come close to meeting.

Finally, there is Tottenham. I have not considered them a serious participant in this battle, until the impressive victory at Newcastle. Under AVB, they were a mess under a manager who had no idea of his strongest eleven. Sherwood seems more decisive and critically, more respected by his players, in the same way that enabled Di Matteo prosperity at Chelsea. If Liverpool is in the hunt, then so is Spurs, after all they are only three points behind the Merseyside outfit. To take their chance however, they must overcome the large doubt that has haunted them for years. Between now and May, they must find a way to beat the so-called big teams when the opportunities present themselves.

So let’s round this off with a prediction. I believe Chelsea can win, as their coach has the skills to lead them to glory. Pellegrini has yet to demonstrate this quality in his career and coupled with a heavy fixture load, will fall short. In third place, it’s Liverpool for me and a return to England’s and Europe’s top table. Finally, I foresee a shock as Spurs steal fourth from their North London rivals. I have been impressed with them under Sherwood and the resilience and results they are achieving make a mockery of their early season struggles. Arsenal is looking jaded and Wenger may live to regret not strengthening in the window. The schedule they face is daunting and I believe will prove too much of a drain, leaving the door ajar for Tottenham.

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