As the start of the season is just days away what better time is there to discuss the ever dramatic title race for the Barclays Premier League 2014/15.
After a dramatic finish last season Manchester City rained champions with a late run of form that carried them past title favourites Liverpool, whilst there were also positive signs from Chelsea and Arsenal, with the later winning their first trophy in nine years after a dramatic comeback in the FA Cup final against Hull City.
Whilst the top four all had pretty good seasons it is important to consider the teams who under performed last year, most notably Manchester United, as well as the teams who could potentially be pushing for a champions league spot this campaign, including Everton and Tottenham.
This post will look at each of the contenders for a Top four spot as well as my own predictions as to where they will finish come May 2015.
Arsenal
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Last season: Finished 4th qualifying for champions league
Titles/trophies: FA Cup winners/ Community Shield winners
New signing to watch: Alexis Sanchez
Predicted finish: 3rd
After an impressive start to the season everyone expected Arsenal to go on to achieve great things last season. Despite their initial success the Gunners were plagued with injuries to an already thin squad with the loss of stars Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott, potentially being significant factors in their deterioration over the season. Arsenal fans were also getting frustrated with the lack of top class strikers, with an often unimpressive Oliver Giroud their only senior attacking option, meaning that youngster Sanogo was often put under immense pressure in some big games to perform. After the signing of Mesut Ozil many thought he would be the catalyst in the Arsenal midfield but inconsistent performances had many questioning his ability. Despite this they have signed some top players this Summer including Barcelona wide man Alexis Sanchez who will bring some exciting play to the Premier League this season and youngster Calum Chambers from Southampton who looks to be a great prospect for the future.
Chelsea
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Last season: finished 3rd and qualified for champions league
Titles/trophies: n/a
New signing to watch: Diego Costa
Predicted finish: 1st
Jose Mourinho's first season back in the Premier League was not one of his finest yet he still achieved a top 4 finish and a decent run in the champions league which will have pleased the majority of Chelsea supporters. Chelsea also had the best record against the top 4, leaving many to believe they would clinch the title come May but a string of defeats and poor results against some of the smaller teams in the league meant that they could only achieve a third place finish. Many blame their strike force, with Torres again on the end of constant abuse and Samuel Etoo and Demba Ba not quite the partnership they needed. After a long summer of chasing Wayne Rooney with no avail they were left with a one year deal for Etoo which brought many fans some concern over where the goals would come from. This season looks a lot more positive for the blues with marquee signings of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, both of whom have had great pre seasons with the later already bagging a few goals. If the new signings can settle quickly I expect a great campaign from this strong Chelsea side.
Everton
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Last season: 5th qualified for Europa league
Titles/trophies: n/a
New signing to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Predicted finish: 6th
Everton has always been known as a steady mid table side with previous manager David Moyes having steady progress over the years. His exit to Manchester United brought uncertain times to Goodison Park with the introduction of unproven Roberto Martinez, who was relegated with Wigan in the 2012/13 campaign. Fears were quickly put to rest with some sensible signings, most notably the loan deal for Romelu Lukaku and a new attacking brand of football that looked to take the club to the next level. Last season delivered just that for the toffees who just missed out on a top 4 spot
despite still achieving an excellent fifth place finish and qualification for the Europa league. This season I fear will be a tough one for the club with Martinez facing 'second season syndrome'. Despite this they have completed the permanent signing of Lukaku which will be extremely important if they wish to emulate the success of the previous season.
Liverpool
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Last season: 2nd qualified for champions league
Titles/trophies: n/a
New signing to watch: Adam Lallana
Predicted finish: 2nd
What a fantastic season it was for Liverpool, Rodgers seemed to have turned the reds into an exciting attacking side with a powerful midfield and a strike force that would scare any defence, only for them to slip up at the final hurdle giving city their opportunity to take the Premier League crown. The season was much needed at the cop after years without a trophy or even a significant title challenge. The side as a whole contributed to their success but of course the ever controversial Luis Suarez was at the heart of everything they did last season, scoring plenty of goals to keep Anfield hoping for great things. This season will be tough for them especially with the sale of Suarez although they have bought wisely. The introductions of Liverpool trio Lovren, Lambert and most notably Lallana will give them a strong core through the middle and increase the strength of an already talented squad to give Liverpool a lot of promise for this year.
Manchester City
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Last season: 1st qualified for champions league
Titles/trophies: Premier League Champions 13/14
New signing to watch: Ellaquim Mangala
Predicted finish: 4th
A second title for Manchester City was a great accomplishment but their season was not without its issues. Injury for top striker Aguero meant he missed large parts of the season and dressing room problems with Yaya Toure towards the end of the season caused some disruption. Nevertheless City crept up behind the pack and came up on top with some important victories in the later stages. This will be a different season for City with many of their rivals bringing in some class players. In order to keep a place in the top four they will need to improve their defensive record and get some consistency into the side. I still think they will be a very strong team, with the introductions of Mangala and Sagna and the short term loan of veteran Lampard they will be a force to be reckoned with. Without another top class midfielder they look set to settle for champions league spot.
Manchester United
Manager: Louis Van Gaal
Last season: 7th
Titles/trophies: n/a
New signing to watch: Luke Shaw
Predicted finish: 5th
Last season marked the end of an era at Manchester United with the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Fans were assured that his replacement David Moyes would be the best man for the job, but results suggested otherwise. Moyes was constantly criticised throughout the season for his teams poor performances, which eventually resulted in his sacking and a very poor 7th place finish for the Red Devils. This season could be different with experienced Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal at the helm and some excellent signings in Shaw and Herrera. United are also linked with the likes of Di Maria and Robben so it will be interesting to see who heads to Manchester before deadline day. If new boss Van Gaal can get the best out of the likes of Rooney and Van Persie then it could be a good season for them although development of sides such as Arsenal and Liverpool could still keep them outside the top 4 for this season at least.
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager: Mauricio Pochetino
Last season: 6th
Titles/trophies: n/a
New signing to watch: Deandre Yedlin
Predicted finish: 7th
Another inconsistent season from a Spurs side clearly suffering after the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. Fans often blamed the clubs transfer policy after seeming to waste their earnings on average players, most notably Soldado who cost in the region of £30 million ( a lot for a striker who can't score). As a West Ham fan I enjoy being critical of Spurs but in all honesty this is a side who should be pushing for a top 4 spot. The introduction of new manager Pochettino could lift the spirit at White Hart Lane after his success at Southampton. They have made some decent signings but not enough for me to expect a high finish. Yedlin looks to be a good prospect but the gaffer needs to get these players working as a team in order to bring success to the club.
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