A quickie

A bumper weekend – and week – of football sees every team play twice. The results from the weekend were interesting (of course you know them already but I’ve been away…). Here are my five observations from the action:

1. Can Liverpool now be considered genuine title contenders? They have beaten both Utd and Chelsea, have come from behind to win against both Wigan and Man City, and have got undeserved victories against Sunderland and Boro. They have the characteristics of champions… But I would say they are still a way behind both Chelsea and Utd. Chelsea’s squad is just so strong, and they have been playing so well, they are still firm favourites. Utd seem to be focussing on the Champions League this season (obviously the Premiership as well, but firstly/primarily the CL – they want, Fergie wants, desperately, to be the first team to retain the trophy, and this could cost them domestically). So, I think yes, Liverpool are contenders – but still third favourites, with Chelsea a length ahead. Utd are jostling with the scousers for second favourit-ism.
2. On the same point, I think injuries will be key. If Liverpool lose Gerrard or Torres, they can be virtually ruled out – they do not have quality enough replacements. If Utd lose Rooney, or Tevez, or Berbatov, they should be ok – but sans Ronaldo, they would also struggle. Chelsea seem the best placed – you feel they would be fine (in fact are fine) without Drogba, equally could sail through without Lampard, or Deco, or Terry, or Cech – their squad is that strong. Another reason to favour them.
3. Spurs; this blog laughs at them a lot, but ‘Arry is a great appointment. You just can’t see them going down with him in charge, and that must be their primary concern. He will clear out the flops and the deadwood, and expect a few shrewd signings in January. Its one in the face for the Continental management structure that has just not worked (the two teams who have employed it are bottom and second bottom…) but you have to question the ability/fitness to manage of the Spurs board. It was them who justified the shambolic treatment of Martin Jol because Ramos was such a superstar – the need to have him outweighed all. Now that has proved entirely incorrect, should they not be the ones to fall on their swords? Apparently they are totally unaccountable.
4. Portsmouth could now be in trouble. It is no secret that Gaydamak would happily sell, and you can’t imagine the likes of Defoe, Crouch and Diarra staying unless a high profile coach comes on board. What chance the three of them to Spurs? Expect to see a gradual decline.
5. Are Man Utd the new Arsenal? The addition of Berbatov has brought tricks and flicks aplenty, but after their super first half performance when they failed to kill off Everton, giving the Liverpudlians hope and belief that ultimately earnt them a draw, are Utd becoming fancy dans with no cutting edge? Only time will tell.

There is so much more to be said – Villa back bang on form, Wigan erratic, Hull’s amazing form continues, Robinho drawing envious glances from Stamford Bridge… the Mackams triumphing in the North East Derby, Boro Blackburn predictably dull… bring on the midweek games!