Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
We’re at the halfway point of the campaign. Who were some of the players and teams, and what were some of the big stories that have stood out for you thus far?
Obviously, the biggest surprises centre around Leicester City and Chelsea, and as the Christmas schedule comes to a close I’d say that Leicester has emerged as the biggest story. They have had a brutally tough run of games, yet have proved that they belong in the top four. The Foxes in second spot at this point is so mind blowing that it even usurps Chelsea and their trigger happy owner.
Other big stories include Crystal Palace in the European spots, Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Watford’s amazing run, Stoke’s overall progression, Swansea firing golden boy Gary Monk, Everton’s inconsistency, Mauricio Pochettino becoming one of the best young managers, Harry Kane showing last year wasn’t a fluke, and Delle Ali making a name for himself
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Manchester United looked much better than in recent weeks during Monday’s 0-0 draw at home against Chelsea. How much more work do the Red Devils have to do to turn the corner?
It probably isn’t that huge of a corner to turn. Loius van Gaal already had the team playing well defensively aside from a couple of games, but the problem was at the other end of the field. Even though they failed to score, the Chelsea match was as an attacking display as we’ve seen from United perhaps all season, and Wayne Rooney looked to be revitalized, with his team actually creating a little if not a lot.
Maybe taking the shackles off a little will be all it takes for this team to find some form, and with what’s happened around them in the table to date, that might be enough to see them back in the race. Having said all that, I still say now is the time to strike if you can sign Jose Mourinho or a Pep Guardiola.
Tottenham find themselves in the top four going into the weekend. How do you account for their current lofty status? What do they have to do to ensure a top four finish?
Mauricio Pochettino has proved himself to be a superb manager, and although it’s taken a year he has now gathered a group of youngsters with a spattering of class veterans to form a team that plays the way he wants it to: strong defence, good shape, bulldogs off the ball, and excellent on the break.
Basically it looks like his Southampton side on steroids. Spurs’ plus-18 goal difference is the best in the league, and all those draws early in the season are turning into wins now. I absolutely think Spurs have what it takes to stay in the top four; in fact they might be the team that most takes advantage of this crazy season and the struggles of Chelsea and maybe Manchester United.
Newcastle United hosts Arsenal on Saturday. Petr Cech earned his 170th clean sheet on Monday, setting a new Premier League record. How important of an off-season signing has he been for the Gunners?
Remember that dreadful start to life and Arsenal for Cech? A 2-0 loss to West Ham United that was pinned squarely on Cech’s shoulders. Since then? Excellent. That right there shows what he has brought to Arsenal: a mental strength and strong character that can face adversity front on, and get through it, something Arsenal hadn’t done for a long time.
Cech has been solid, controlling his defence and then making the big save when called upon. He is one of those players whose true strengths won’t be seen on paper (although that clean sheet record is impressive) but is what he brings the team with the intangibles. If Arsenal manage to win the league title this season, a huge part will be down to Cech.
Also on Saturday, Manchester City visits Watford. There are serious doubts about Vincent Kompany’s fitness after he picked up a new injury. If he is out long-term, how big of a blow is this for the Blues?
I’ve written about his importance here several times before. Fact is, City needs their leader back. Forget that he has been brilliant in the few games he’s played in this season from a footballing stand point. His leadership is sorely lacking when not on the field. City has so much skill and ability, but mentally there are question marks when he is not playing. Could City be the new Arsenal?