Miscellaneous
A tantalising finale
This could be the most astonishing of seasons football has ever witnessed in any major league in recent timesSarin Ghimire
As the English Premier League inches towards a crucial phase of the season, we are witnessing the most unpredictable title race of our generation. The established order—Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City—of the most dominant of teams of the last two decades is finally being readjusted. While two teams—Leicester City and Tottenham—push themselves into the fray, it is anyone’s guess as to who will come out on top this May.
With only 10 games each remaining, we look back at how the season panned out for these teams as we look forward to a tantalising finale.
Leicester City
A team promoted back to the premier league in 2014-15 after a decade-long absence, Leicester City have had a fairy tale season. Having dodged relegation last season by a mere six points, the Foxes have been the story of the season so far. They currently sit at the top of the table with a three-point lead. Their manager, Claudio Ranieri, has been a revelation in installing confidence and motivating this ‘Little Club’, as the manager himself likes to point out. Their strikers Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have managed to rack up 33 goals combined in what could be the greatest upset of the history of the premier league.
With a champions league spot almost confirmed, Leicester City have every right to believe that they are one of the strongest contenders of the title this season. Among their fixtures, only Manchester United and Chelsea of the ‘big clubs’ remain. If Leicester City continue with their rapid style of counterattack and believe in themselves, the title is theirs for the taking.
Tottenham Hotspurs
Currently in second place, right above their archrivals Arsenal on goal difference, the Spurs have had their own season to cherish. Even though they have a relatively small squad, their coach Mauricio Pochettino has prepared well for a strong finish. While Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and newbie Delle Alli continue to carry their team up the pitch, it is their backline that has really been their rock. They recently went on an impressive run of seven wins in a row, and have the best defensive record in the league. But the Spurs are in for a litmus test as they still have to face Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, not to forget two tough legs against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League. However, even if this underdog-turned-favourites fail to win the title, delivering Champions League football next term will be deemed a success for the club.
Arsenal
Sitting in third position, Arsenal were the winter champions. But with three consecutive losses, the Gunners are increasingly under pressure to keep their hopes alive in the title race. The last time Arsenal won the league was in 2003-2004, and their fans rightly believe that they are due a title win. The fixtures list, with only Tottenham and Manchester City left to play among the big wigs, should help the cause. If Arsenal pick themselves up in the derby at the White Hart Lane, the gunners have every possibility of being real title contenders once again. And if they are not settling for anything other than a league title come May, their star attackers—Oliver Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil—will have to hold their nerves to lead this team from the front.
Manchester City
With a very strong start to the season, fans thought City would walk to the title. But the premier league is a rat’s race and City know it well. Having won their last title on the last day of the season, pundits will be naive to write them off too soon. City have by far the best squad in the league and their most recent win in the Carling Cup should give them a morale booster. Even though they have a barrage of talent at their disposal, City have a shaky defence in Mangala and Demechelis. Moreover, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure were badly missed during their spell out with injuries. If City would want to give their outgoing coach, Manuel Pellegrini, an ultimate farewell with a title win, this trio will have to stay strong as ever and most importantly remain on the pitch.
Manchester United
Labelled as the most boring team in their history, Louis Van Gaal’s Red Devils have been below par this season. United have spent the most on transfers over the last two years, but continue to sit out of the top four as Van Gaal looks to build another title-challenging squad. A relatively young team with several players promoted from the Reserves setup, their four consecutive victories have nevertheless given them room to believe that the title is within their grasps. This is still a team in transition following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson two years ago, but stature of the club should not allow the team to settle for anything outside the top four this season.
Liverpool
Sitting eighth in the table, Liverpool have not had the most ideal of results this season. The club faced a turbulent early season before Brendon Rodgers was replaced by former Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp. It could be said that they are yet to fill the void left by the departure of their mid field legend Steven Gerrard, but in Klopp they have a well-tested manager with sheer willpower. Liverpool are likely to settle for a place in the Europa League next season, but should be in safe hands for the future with the German at the helm.
Chelsea
The Blues have had the most disappointing season among all. Hovering around the relegation zone for almost half of the season, former coach Mourinho was rightly sacked despite him delivering the title last season. In caretaker Guus Hiddnick, Chelsea have shown glimpses of their previous self and are likely to finish the season on a strong note. However, I don’t see them ending up in the top four this season.
No team outside the established clubs has won the premier league. However, Leicester should be right up there with the likes of Arsenal and City in the battle this year. City, with a number of players who can make a difference at any time andArsenal have shown quite a resilience this season. But with their confidence sky high and a style of play that is well suited to the league, there is none stopping Leicester to the title in May in what could be the most astonishing of seasons football has ever witnessed in any major league in recent times.