The wait is over

The wait is finally over

A barren dry summer has finally ended. Like villagers in the Sahara, we waited patiently for the cruel drought to end. No world cup, no European championship, not one drop of football all summer. The summer break took ages to pass, until finally the familiar sound of fans’ roaring was heard as Wembley welcomed Chelsea and Manchester United for the season’s curtain opener. We were teased in summer by the confederations cup and the under 21’s and 19s tournaments, but finally the cruel teasing is over, and the centre stage is open at last.

After a break in life, we always have high expectations. We imagine that Fiats will no longer mean trouble, taxes won’t exist and referees will perform miracles and let our teams win fairly. Sadly, the latter was proved to be a myth last Sunday as United lost in the charity shield against Chelsea after a dodgy goal from Frank Lampard. Elbowing your opponents full back out of the equation really does make life easier, doesn’t it Mike!

Ups and downs

Sadly for the Tigers I think their fairytale is coming to an abrupt end. After soaring to the dizzy heights of a European cup place early last season, Hull City seemed to have suffered altitude sickness as they soon plummeted down to the basement of the league, narrowing saving themselves from relegation. Phil Brown has the marketing skills of a kid and last team’s squad proved to be weak and shallow. Time’s up for the tired tigers, and their den in the championship looks warm and welcoming, as opposed to the dangerous fighting ground of the Premier League. It’s a Survival of the fittest, and sadly, time’s up for the tigers.

Portsmouth too seems in dire straits. Having lost key players in Crouch and Johnson, the southerners seem to be struggling to balance the books, and this season things can only get worse for the blues. Paul Hart has been appointed as manager, and his tactics last year seemed a little negative and naive. Survival will again be their aim; however the bookies are favoring them for the drop. Play up Pompey!
Burnley may be feeling like the kings of the bunch following their play off promotion last season; however they too might soon feel the blues. Their squad is full of power and aggression, which is vital for any championship team, and that’s the problem. The clarets failed to strengthen their squad in pre season, and they might head straight back down a tier. A fighting spirit needs to be maintained, and I’m sure they will represent the premier league with their typical bite and pride.

Premier League summit

Predicting the relegated trio is an absolute nightmare, but if that’s tough, then predicting the eventual champions is even worse. Manchester United topped the pile last term, however their squad seems weaker than before, while Chelsea’s on the other hand looks stronger. Players like Michael Essien and Joe Cole will seem like new signings for the blues, and their games will be won in midfield. Liverpool and United’s midfield’s got weakened with summer sales, and this season is where the blue’s can really pounce. Having just won the charity shield, boss Carlo Angellotti is hungry as ever to wrap his hands around the ears of the Barclay’s Premier League trophy come the end of the season.

Big Four Party

Perhaps the weakest team of the big four seems to be arsenal yet again. They failed to lure anyone to the club, and still have typical injury worries. Wenger’s kids yet again lack maturity and experience, and this can cause more trouble. Its been five season without a trophy in north London, and some fans are becoming inpatient. Sales of Adebayor and Kolo Toure have only raised the arch on certain eyebrows, and Arsenal’s main aim should yet again be Champions League qualification. This really can be a season where Everton, Spurs or Villa can gatecrash the big four’s party, however Arsene Wenger’s experience and ability might keep the demons away.
An all new exiting season is about to kick off, and we can all fasten our seat belts for what will surely be yet another exiting year of Barclay’s Premier League football. Let the games (and mind games) begin!