English Premier League 2013-14: The season so far

The Premier League has been a roller coaster ride for a few and a pain for a few. Teams like Southampton, Everton and Newcastle have surprised quite a few. Manchester United and Sunderland, two seasoned teams may not have had the best season so far but let’s see how they fare after the New Year. Players like Ross Barkley and Loïc Rémy have made a big impact this season.

The additions of Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry and Gerrard Deulofeu have certainly helped Everton’s cause. Lukaku’s scoring spree has helped Everton in a very big way as Everton were in lack of an all in all striker. Barry’s everlasting presence in the midfield has certainly helped people like Barkley and Kevin Mirallas.

Another integral part of their team who is not often spoken about is Tim Howard. Although he’s becoming older he has not lost much of his reflexes nor his penchant to save shots. Another player the Toffees do not want to sell is Ross Barkley.

On his day, Ross Barkley is a nightmare to even the best defenders in the world. His dribbling ability along with his sprinting ability with the ball has made him a player certainly to watch out in the future.

The trio of Adam Lallana, Ricky Lambert and Jay Rodriguez combined with the likes of the Saints’ newest superstar Luke Shaw and Argentinian Dani Osvaldo make them a team no one would take lightly. Mauricio Pochettino has created a team that has certainly made the bigger teams go the extra mile against them.

Adam Lallana’s dribbling and control of the ball has made him a player to watch out. He is one person who any team would not leave unmarked at any point. Rodriguez’s swiftness with the ball has made him a threat, and he’s a delight to watch when he is at his best.

Luke Shaw is another player who has come out of the proficient youth system. He’s touted to be the next Gareth Bale. If he continues like how he is playing right now he would be a player every club would aspire of having.

Another team that has had a stellar beginning is Newcastle. Loïc Rémy, their main striker has played a pivotal role in their success. Players like Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye have supported him perfectly. Their captain Fabricio Coloccini has led a team that is not full of superstars but made them a team that tries to get at least a point against the bigger teams.

Tim Krul has been a revelation this season. His fine saves have helped the Magpies a great deal. Alan Pardew has done a great job in rejuvenating the team that were lacking motivation and were demur last season. Papiss Cisse is not the same player as he was when he came into the club but he is certainly playing the perfect foil for Rémy when he’s on the pitch.

Arsenal‘s success story has been one of this season’s most significant stories. It would be a great thing if Arsenal could win this title because they have been kind of unlucky to not win any title in the past 8 years. Arsene Wenger’s work rate even though they were not winning is finally paying off.

Buying Mesut Ozil has certainly been a master stroke by Arsene Wenger. Players like Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker have certainly paid dividends for the club. Mertasacker’s towering figure in the defence has certainly helped their defence. Ramsey’s goal scoring spree has helped the club increase their goal difference and he has helped score crucial goals.

After the New Year we would expect a close race with atleast 8 teams in the contention for a Champions League spot. Teams like Manchester City and Chelsea would like to garner a spot sooner than later. Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs or Everton along with Newcastle would want to grab the last two Champions League spots.

While teams like Chelsea and City have enough fire power even in their benches, it would be interesting to see how experienced clubs like Liverpool, United and Arsenal end this season.

Manchester United in particular need to have a great buy this January to improve their chances. Without Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck often playing the role of a floater in the wing or the person behind the lone striker which is in most cases Javier Hernandez, doesn’t help the cause either because Hernandez does not have the class to play against teams like City or Arsenal.

Another problem with Hernandez is that he often gets caught off side when he is a good position. Defence has also been a major problem for United. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand slowly making their way out, it has been a difficult task for Jonny Evans as he has still not got a set partner.

Phil Jones is playing in one position too many and that’s a problem for him and the team. The only positive for United is the return of Michael Carrick. His pin point passing has certainly helped United’s cause.

So let us just wait and savour the moments until another thrilling season of the world’s most watched league comes to an end.