FA Premier League Half Season Review 201112

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An exciting and pulsating start to proceedings has graced the first half of the Premier League season. Weve had extraordinary games, huge ongoing controversies, and the ever present antics of our dear friend Mario Balotelli. Love him or hate him, either way theres no way you can question hispersistententhusiasm to make the headlines.To note some significant achievements; aformidable Manchester City side have revealed themselves in shining colours playing attractive Football, winning the odd game by a huge margin, most notably beating Manchester United in their emphatic 6-1 triumph. It seems Roberto Mancini has implemented aphilosophybased on freedom, where license has been given for players to expre s themselves; this is in complete contrast to previous seasons, where the primary focus was to prevent goals, rather than score them.Succe s is few and far between in Football, especially when youre Newcastle United with a demanding following. Its safe to say the job Alan Pardew has done has been commendable on all accounts, installing a grit and winning mentality that has served them well at the start of the season.It would be completely unfair to discount Spurs, thevibrancy and creativity within their squad makes them a frightening prospect to play against. Boasting the likes of Bale and Van Der Vaart, it would be carele s to write their title chances off full stop. I always remembered Spurs to be one of the most frustrating teams,inconsistencybeing their forte. However, this season theyve turned that round as of yet, winning matches consistently.A final mention goes out to the newly promoted sides; the prospect of Premiership Football creates a characteristic ofexuberance and excitementwithin a squad, this has been very noticeable within the 3 teams, all playing an attacking and fearle s brand of football based on pacey andintra-cutepa sing. However, the gradual demise of QPR in the last month raises the question as to whether their destiny lies with Championship Football next season.Arsenal: After a very tricky start to the season, a sizeable contingent amongst the Arsenal fans were calling for Wengers head, theyve certainly turned their fortunes around since Kobe Bryant Jersey then, with the new additions starting to bed in well. A difficult season always beckoned for Arsenal, not least with the lo ses of Fabregas and Nasri, but that in abundance with Jack Wilshere out for the best part of the season. I believe Arsenal have done a decent job in the circumstances they find themselves in. However, injury to Van Persie could compound a painful season for the Gunners. If Arsenal fans believe they have a shot at the title, big summer signings are a must, I cant help but think Wengers thoughts arent consumed with po sible targets in mind.Where theyll finish: 5thOverachieve: 4thUnderachieve: 7thAston Villa: The appointment of Alex Mcleish into the hot seat had Villa fans cursing at the board, the unthinkable Giving the job to the Ex Birmingham City manager. For me, Villa have lost their sparkle, if they want to push on and become a top 4 side then keeping hold of their best a sets is paramount. I cant help but think an ordinary, unspectacular season awaits for Villa. A string of poor results could pose the exit door for Mcleish, I believe this to be unlikely though.Where theyll finish: 9thOverachieve: 7thUnderachieve: 13thBlackburn Rovers: All seems gloomy at Ewood Park, even in spite of the majestic victory against Manchester United. A special bond seems to have been formed between Steve Kean and the Venkys, causing huge complications and unrest amongst the supporters.Ultimately, is Steve Kean the right man to guide Blackburn away from the dreaded relegation zone? Based on results you would probably say a clear and concise No. In fairne s to Kean, he has been challenged with a ma s of Defensive injuries this season. I cant help but commend his perseverance in spite of all the abuse hes received. But radical changes need to be made, starting in January; a new fresh energy needs to formulate to turn around fortunes. If that means Kean out, then so be it. A new CB, CM, and CFs services should be attained in January to amend events on the pitch.Where theyll finish: 20thOverachieve: 17thBolton Wanderers: Likewise to Blackburn, a doom and gloom feeling seems ever-present at the Reebok Stadium, when we consider the extent of their abysmal home form, theres no surprise they find themselves where they are. Their attacking threat seems nonexistent this year, and this is a major worry. On a brighter note, the sale of Gary Cahill should generate the e sential funds to build on the squad in January. I would put strong odds on an end of season revival providing they keep hold of Owen Coyle, his managerial ability is right up there, so Imsurprised at how proceedings have developed.Where theyll finish: 19thOverachieve: 14thChelsea: Villas Boas emitted a cool and composed air to the start of his Chelsea appointment; however, with generally unsatisfactory results its fair to say a couple of Boass feathers have been ruffled. Whenever seeming consistency beckons, a poor run of form follows to compound the evident frustration written over Chelsea fans faces. If Mr Fernando Torres can find his diminished shooting boots then arejuvenated Chelsea side can formulate, this seems very unlikely though, Torres cant find a goal from anywhere (Must be feeling the painful effects of a 50,000,000price tag).Where theyll finish: 4rdUnderachieve: 5thEverton: Evertons season has carried many resemblances to that of Aston Villas, a quiet Bobby Miller Jersey and low profile turn of events sees them in a regular 9th place. Some January additions would go a long way to bolstering an already solid set of players; with a flourish of welcome momentum they could make a late Europa League surge. It would be very handy if Tim Cahill stepped up and filled those shooting/heading boots, as hes currently on a prolonged goal drought in the Premier League.Where theyll finish: 7thUnderachieve: 11thFulham: Another side who have kept a low profile this season, currently sitting in a potentially awkward 14th place. Theyve had a smattering of great performances, speckled with some really poor performances. Keeping hold of Bobby Zamora in January is vital; his ability to hold up the ball in modern day Football is invaluable in any side. On the condition that Craven Cottage stays a fortre s for them, Fulham should be fine, without the dreaded risk of relegation.Where theyll finish: 10thUnderachieve: 16thOverachieve: 9thLiverpool: Liverpools intent in pre-season was clear, ambition is a word which immediately springs to mind; a host of new additions graced their presence to the Liverpool changing room; with a Champions League spot the primary ambition in mind. On first evidence it seems as though this is a side gelling quite well, theyve shown flashes of brilliance, yet their start to the season has been very predictable, a miserly 6th place concluded 2011. The 8 game absence of Suarez should be counteracted by the return of the mercurial Steven Gerrard. If both players were together in this 8 Joe Kelly Jersey game period then a realistic push for 4th spot could be po sible. However, I deem this to be unlikely, but it should be interesting to see how the back-end of their season takes hold.Where theyll finish: 6thUnderachieve: 7thOverachieve: 5thManchester City: Start the New Year level on points with Manchester United, a two horse race seems on the cards. A month ago I would have said City would win the league comfortably, theyve shown some off-colour performances in recent times. For that reason, it makes me question their mental toughne s and capacity to win the league. They havent been there, done that. That will work as a big disadvantage, giving United the chance to capitalise and prevail.Where theyll finish: 2ndManchester United: What could be considered an unsatisfactory start to the season; theyve had their fair share of problems, particularly on the injury front. But the depth within the squad is unquestionable; Sir Alex has an unrivalled reputation to pull out performances when theyre most needed. The winning mentality is reinforced throughout the spine of the club, those writing off Uniteds title credentials should maybe think twice. Manchester Citys underbelly isnt as bold as first appeared.Where theyll finish: 1stUnderachieve: 2ndNewcastle United: A hugely succe sful start to the season, but prolonging such good form will prove an enormous challenge. Looking at the team on paper, I believe theyve over achieved to a big extent, hence, extra credit should go to Alan Pardews current services.Where theyll finish: 11thOverachieve: 8thUnderachieve: 13thNorwich City: A side oozing with Albert Pujols Jersey confidence carried over from an incredible end of Championship run, just take a look at the amount of points theyve rescued in stoppage time over the last 2 seasons, its been quite astonishing; indicating the signs of a well organised, never die attitude instilled by Paul Lambert, hes done an admirable job during his reign. Theyll have to be weary of the promoted second half season syndrome. What Blackpool fell victim to last season.Where theyll finish: 14thOverachieve: 11thUnderachieve: 18thQPR: After winning the Championship last season, theyve brought in many welcome additions, recruiting players of high calibre (Wright-Phillips, Barton etc). On paper they have a decent looking Premier League side, with a leaky and unconvincing back line dampening what could be a side with huge potential. Of the promoted sides QPR have surprisingly looked the weakest as of yet, with a worrying run of form very obvious this December, the Premier League hangover may be an awkward eventuality for QPR, and I wouldnt be surprised if they slipped into an unwelcome aby s of darkne s in the near future.Where theyll finish: 18thOverachieve: 15thStoke City: A Premier League side very much established, after one succe sful season, I believed it would slip away, but theyve continued to perform solidly, finishing with a mid-table finish every year (12th, 11th, and 13th). Much of this dawns down to the fortre s that the Brittania has made itself, a frightening and daunting place to travel to, where the opposition can be promised a huge physical slog and effort dealing with all the customary throw ins and set pieces.Where theyll finish: 12thOverachieve: 9thUnderachieve: 14thSunderland: A new era dawns at Sunderland, the appointment of Martin ONeill only gives ground for optimism, ONeill brings an energy and excitement to wherever he goes, given the time, this Sunderland side can develop into a Europa League challenging team every season. The immediate impact ONeill has made gives me the impre sion theyll be able to sustain a good run of form into the New Year and beyond. A surge for a Europa League spot this season isnt unrealistic whatsoever.Where theyll finish: 8thUnderachieve: 15thSwansea City: The side promoted via the play-offs, tipped to fall at the first hurdle, right now, that doesnt seem likely. A great mix and balance exudes through the Swansea team; a side with measured composure on the ball, intertwined with the flair of Dyer and Sinclair on the flanks. Brendan Rogers has built a good side fit for Premier League purpose. However, a run of consecutive defeats could spell big danger and sink them quickly, it will be interesting to see what this side is made of, because I believe they will go on a difficult run at the back end of the season Cody Bellinger Jersey .Where theyll finish: 13thUnderachieve: 18thSpurs: If consistency prevails, the po sibilities are endle s for Spurs, if they can replicate the form demonstrated in the first half of the season, then a Champions League spot looks absolutely inevitable. My gut instinct tells me a great season beckons for Spurs; a shot at third place above Chelsea is a realistic eventuality.Where theyll finish: 3rdUnderachieve: 5thWest Brom: A squad which lacks any real fire power and penetration, but have gone about their busine s quietly in every sense, the a sured management of Roy Hodgson looks to have them in a stable position, pulling out some positive victories every now and then. Keeping Odemwingie in sharp form will be vital in ensuring momentum stays atan adequatelevel. As with many sides in the Premier League, a poor run of form could pose real relegation fears, Hodgson should have the experience and management credentials to keep their heads above the water if poor form does take hold.Where theyll finish: 15thOver achieve: 12thUnderachieve: 18thWigan Athletic: Unpredictable, volatile are some of the words which represent Wigan perfectly. Its fair to say theyve done modestly so far, enough signs evident to suggest they can stave off relegation, but a poor run could seal their fate this season. A couple of experienced loan signings could be a solution to implement some mentalstubbornne sandresurgenceamongst the ranks. Its very hard to predict how the rest of the season will pan out for Wigan; nothing can ever be completely a sured with them.Where theyll finish: 17thOverachieve: 14thUnderachieve: 20thWolverhampton Wanderers: Its fair to say Mick Mccarthy has done a commendable job at Wolves, hes seemingly abolished the up a down cycle between the Championship and Premiership, whether he can build on this remains in question, they continue to float dangerously above the relegation zone in every moment of every season so far. An influx of money seems like the best way Wolves can build on what theyve achieved so far. Otherwise I feel a relegation scrap could become the norm, eventually sealing their fate.Where theyll finish 15thUnderachieve: 19thSurprise packages: Newcastle, Norwich, SwanseaPlayer of the season so far: Robin Van PersieBig disappointment: Fernando TorresPredicted Table Finish:1. Manchester United2. Manchester City3. Tottenham Hotspur4. Chelsea5. Arsenal6. Liverpool7. Everton8. Sunderland9. Aston Villa10. Fulham11. Newcastle12:13. Swansea City14. Norwich City15. West Brom16. Wolves17. Wigan18. QPR19. Bolton20. Blackburn

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