EPL 2011/12: Heading towards the most exciting climax yet?

Few years back, the league saw only four giants battling it out to be the best in England. Slowly, this got shortened to a two horse race with the Blues and the Devils fighting for supremacy. At the start of the current campaign, many would have predicted the same to happen. Have a look at the current standings and it’s sure to baffle you. If you have been betting on teams which you felt were likely to win, I’m sure you’d have been in for a shock. Surprises have been galore and a few results pretty ‘eyebrow-raising’.

The season so far: Who really is the best?

Manchester City have been a team who would always fight for a top five finish until last year but out of nowhere, they now look pretty likely to take the jackpot home. The club, being extremely rich, has been ridiculed of ‘buying’ talent and not ‘developing’ any. Even managers don’t fail to take a dig at their transfer policy and are one of the most hated clubs in England. Mancini would have to be given due credit for the dominance they’ve created, making them an annihilating force across the globe.

Manchester United are however favourites, sitting hot on the leader’s heels. They haven’t been all that convincing though, winning a few games convincingly and slumping against relatively easier opponents. Their shocking elimination from the Champions League has only made them more aggressive and they’re out now looking to wreak havoc.

One of the teams that has surprised all are the white half of North London. Tottenham Hotspurs, out of nowhere, seem to be having title plans of their own and have been sneaking up the table, unnoticed. Currently sitting at 3rd, the team has been highly consistent but not very convincing with their marginal albeit significant results. Redknapp has played a huge part in the team’s performances but still, no one really takes them seriously.

Chelsea sit on the brink of a Champions League place and with the likes of Juan Mata being added to the squad, they now have that extra element in attack which saw them end City’s unbeaten run in the league. Even they’ve been convicted of inconsistency and written off in the league, but Andre-Villas Boas sure is having a major impact on the team.

As for Arsenal, the Gunners would surely be disappointed with how the season turned out in the beginning, given their injury issues and the humiliation caused by United back in August. But the club picked themselves up from there and displayed the ‘class’ they’re known for, going on to lose only two of their next 17 fixtures after that dreadful day. And when you have a hitman like Van Persie in front of goal loaded with mind-boggling achievements, he gives every keeper nightmares. Though they too have been written off for the title this season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see silverware travel to the Emirates after the trophy drought the club is has been condemned to, considering their determination and the complete squad at their disposal they’ll have in time to come.

Newcastle and Liverpool have had a lots of ups and downs, the former being the only unbeaten team along with the Citizens for quite long into the season, but suddenly having failed to perform much to the disappointment of the Magpie fans. With Demba Ba off for the African Cup of Nations, it would be a real test for them to step up the gas and steer through. The Reds wont be too disappointed even though they don’t seem to be challenging for a top spot, getting to see Steven Gerrard back to the pitch and their occasional exceptional displays against top clubs.

This season has also seen a rare performance from the newly promoted clubs, Swansea and Norwich City doing particularly well while Queen Parks Rangers are trying to get things right after a somewhat decent start. Stoke, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland and Villa haven’t had the best of days but they seem to be clawing up for a top half finish. West Brom, Wolves, Blackburn, Bolton and Wigan seem to be the clubs in the danger zone with the relegation pendulum hanging above their heads.

It is hard to pick a favourite because the top half seems to be very deceiving. Nobody has been really convincing with their on and off performances.

It sure is turning out to be one bizarre season. Luck would also play quite a factor, considering the fact that domestic rivals are thrashing one another and then losing to the bottom half teams.

The battlefield has been set, the stakes been raised and every supporter can only hope their team gets it right in every game as the season looks to be heading to a ‘fight to the finish’ finale.

Tip: Don’t brag about your team until the game is over, at least this season.