In the second part of the half-term report, we look at the two Merseyside and Manchester clubs as well the Cottagers. Do Everton have the squad depth to push for Europe? Can Liverpool get back in to the Top 4? Is there a shift in the balance of power in Manchester? Or will the Red Devils have enough about them to see off the challenge of the rising Blue Moon? Can Martin Jol follow in the footsteps of his predecessors and bring more success to Craven Cottage?
This is the half-term report.
See the first part of the series here
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Everton – Current Position : 12th
Everton are notoriously slow starters and that trend has continued this season as well. Given that David Moyes operates on a budget that is equivalent to the weekly wages of some of the league’s superstars, it is an astonishing achievement that the Toffees consistently finish the season in the top half, even challenging for Europe occasionally.
Stars of the show : Marouane Fellaini – The Belgian midfielder is Everton’s star player after Mikel Arteta’s move to Arsenal. He has shouldered the responsibility well and Everton will be buoyed by his decision to sign a long-term contract at the club. Leighton Baines – the England full-back has been consistently delivering for his club and has attracted the interest of some of the bigger clubs. The duo are crucial to Everton’s successes this season.
Time for the boot : Tim Cahill – Everton lack the firepower in front of goal and Cahill has been the man in recent seasons to deliver on that front. 15 appearances without a goal this season though.
The Manager : It was reported that Sir Alex Ferguson had apparently endorsed Moyes as his successor as manager of Manchester United when he eventually retires. And it isn’t hard to see why. Moyes has brought stability and success to Everton in the face of financial adversity. Any other manager would have thrown a tantrum and walked out. Remember Martin O’Neill at Villa?
Pat on the back : Look good for a top half finish. If their misfiring strikers come good in front of goal, they could muster a late challenge for Europe.
And they’d like to forget : Pretty much the entire season so far. They have had little success so far, the victory over Fulham being the sole highlight.
Reinforcements : Barring loan deals and free agents, it is difficult to see where Everton can get funds to sign any player. Moyes would be hoping the impending sale of the club goes through sooner rather than later.
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Fulham – Current Position : 14th
The Cottagers have seen some success in the past three seasons with the Europa League final and twice finishing in the top 8. Their exit from Europe could prove to be a blessing in disguise as they can focus solely on the league now.
Stars of the show : Clint Dempsey – Fulham’s top scorer in Premier League history, the American midfielder has been the lynch-pin of the side since his move to London in 2007. Like Cahill for Everton, he is a midfielder who is known for his goal scoring prowess. Andy Johnson has been brilliant in Europe and Fulham will hope he can reproduce that form in the league.
Time for the boot : Difficult to pinpoint a weakness in this well balanced squad although the strikers haven’t been delivering in front of goal. Bryan Ruiz hasn’t lived up to his £10.6m transfer fee.
The Manager : Martin Jol’s immediate task to ensure Fulham finish in the top half, possibly challenging for a European return next season.
Pat on the back : The 2-2 draw against a rampant Manchester City. 6-0 over QPR and the victory over Liverpool would have helped morale.
And they’d like to forget : Losses to Stoke, Newcastle, Wolves, Everton and Swansea. They cannot afford to drop points to teams around them if they are to harbour ambitions of a top ten finish.
Reinforcements : On paper, a well-balanced squad. European exertions took a toll on their performances in the league. Expect a quiet January for them.
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Liverpool – Current Position : 6th
King Kenny has wasted no time in getting rid of the deadwood at the club and has spent heavily on younger players like Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll. The big task for him will be to guide the Reds back to the top 4.
Stars of the show : Luis Suarez – The Uruguayan has become a cult hero at Anfield and has mesmerised the Premier League with his pace and dribbling. Jose Enrique, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam have proved to be very shrewd signings with their consistent displays.
Time for the boot : Luis Suarez again. The striker also has a dark side to him and has been accused of racism, diving, cheating and a host of other infringements. Also guilty of spurning plenty of chances to score. His strike partner, Andy Carroll is trying his best to rival Fernando Torres it seems.
The Manager : Kenny Dalglish has brought a free-flowing, high-pressing game to Liverpool and it has paid dividends in the bigger matches. A title challenge looks unlikely but fans will be pleased if they qualify for Europe.
Pat on the back : Victories over rivals Arsenal and Chelsea away from home. Also, they can boast of the meanest defence in the league.
And they’d like to forget : The 4-0 reverse they suffered at White Hart Lane. Losses to Fulham and Stoke will disappoint while draws with Swansea and Norwich indicate complacency creeping in when they face smaller teams.
Reinforcements : Lucas Leiva’s injury might force them to delve into the market for a midfielder. A cheeky move for Everton’s Jack Rodwell?
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Manchester City – Current Position – 1st
When you look at the money and squad that the Blues have, you expect them to put up a firm challenge for the title. But no one would have expected the juggernaut that City have become this term. They have been rampant in the league and have only suffered defeat once at the hands of fellow contenders, Chelsea.
Stars of the show : This is a tricky one. City have scored 49 times in just 15 games. Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli are into double figures for the season already and have been ably assisted by the world-class David Silva while Vincent Kompany has been a rock at the back. There are too many stars in this show.
Time for the boot : Carlos Tevez – From hero to villain, Tevez represents the quintessential modern-day footballer. Sulking over a new contract, sulking over wage demands, sulking over not being first choice, refusing to come on as a substitute in a crucial fixture, going AWOL…perhaps he just about beats Suarez in the race for the most-hated footballer this season. Expected to leave, but where will he go?
The Manager : Roberto Mancini deserves all the plaudits for City’s success. Yes, they have spent lavishly on top players but it takes someone with a strong will and resolve to impose his authority on the squad. And City’s transformation from a defense-minded side to an attacking behemoth is testament to Mancini’s tactical abilities.
Pat on the back : All those thumping victories aside, nothing will match the rapturous delight that City fans will feel when they reminisce the 6-1 pounding they inflicted on arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Theater of Dreams indeed. (P.S : I’m a United fan)
And they’d like to forget : The group stage elimination from the Champions League. While not exactly contenders, they were expected to progress atleast till the Quarterfinals. Could still taste European glory though.
Reinforcements : Do they really need anyone else?! A decent back-up for Joe Hart perhaps?
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Manchester United – Current Position : 2nd
The season started brightly for Manchester United with free-flowing, positive football that had fans brimming with confidence and enthusiasm for the season ahead as United went on a goal-scoring frenzy, largely inspired by the young Tom Cleverley. However, two exits in the space of a week has relegated the Red Devils to Europe’s second-tier, the Europa League while they are struggling to match league leaders Macnchester City’s scintillating form.
Stars of the show : Wayne Rooney – United’s talisman started the season in brilliant form, scoring goals for fun and tormenting the opposition with his passing and movement. It is a testament to the impact Tom Cleverley has had in the Red shirt as United’s dip in form has coincided with his injury. Notable mentions to Phil Jones, Javier Hernandez, David De Gea and Nani.
Time for the boot : Patrice Evra – Perhaps the biggest casualty of France’s World Cup fracas. Has never looked the same since his return- Caught out of position far too often and his pace has dropped too. That combined with his poor crossing in the final third has made Evra a liability this term.
The Manager : One runs out of superlatives to describe Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Old Trafford. Time and again, he has rebuilt teams, infused youth with experience and made shrewd signings to add to the quality present in the squad. He must, however take the blame for United’s poor showing in Europe, largely due to the arrogance of his team selections against lesser teams.
Pat on the back : The start of the season. 21 goals in 5 games, including that memorable 8-2 demolition of Arsenal. Have also been pretty solid at the back despite criticism over their defensive frailties. Keeping pace with runaway leaders and rivals City was important and United enter the festive period only 2 points behind, and know that they have a decent platform to propel themselves to the title.
And they’d like to forget : The 6-1 mauling at City’s hands aside, United fans will be hurting more over their tame Champions League exit. Loss to Crystal Palace in the League Cup won’t help matters. Captain Nemanja Vidic’s season-long injury is cause for concern.
Reinforcements : A midfield enforcer. The one area United are in desperate need of is someone who can boss over the midfield. Roma’s Daniele De Rossi would be ideal. They also lack options at left-back given Evra’s poor form and Fabio’s fitness issues. A move for Everton’s Leighton Baines would be shrewd.
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Stay tuned for the next installment of The Premier League Season So Far, and find out if your opinion of how your club has performed this term is matched by fellow fans.