RADIO
This past weekend, the English Premier League showed, once again, why it is one of the most watched football leagues in the world. Most of the games managed to enthrall and keep their audiences hooked until the last minute and even the draws (oh yeah, Manchester United!) were closely followed .
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Klopp Settling In
Chelsea versus Liverpool was billed as the match of the weekend with the pressure around Jose Mourinho and the aura of Jurgen Klopp adding additional spice, as the unease at Stamford Bridge before the game even began, was palpable.
Liverpool compounded the pressure on the beleaguered ‘Happy One’ by thumping them 3-1 and with the mid-week League Cup loss to Stoke City adding to his woes, there is no denying the fact that Mourinho is on borrowed time.
With the saga of Eva Carneiro (the axed first-team doctor) possibly going the legal route, there is a lot for Mourinho to negotiate. The Stoke game next weekend could very well be his final chapter, especially if Chelsea lose again, and so that is one game many pundits and fans alike will be eagerly anticipating.
Klopp, on the other hand, is gradually finding his rhythm. Hearing his post-match comments, it is easy to see why he is so respected and whilst he rightfully laughed off any suggestions of a title challenge he continues to insist that he wants his team to enjoy their football. His pragmatism is infectious, which definitely gives the Kop a big boost.
What remains to be seen is, if Liverpool will be able to respond to his high pressing style. It worked for him in Germany but England is a more physical and a faster paced league and such tactics could burn his team out sooner. Nevertheless, Liverpool games under Klopp will be entertaining as they look to establish a stable footballing philosophy and redefine their famous brand.
Manchester City And Arsenal The Teams To Beat
Manuel Pellegrini may have started this season with many questions, but the neo-rich City seem to have found their rhythm. The mega bucks arrival of Kevin de Bruyne has revitalized the squad, but it’s the form of Yaya Toure that could prove vital to any title aspirations, and this was showcased last weekend in their win over Norwich City.
Arsene Wenger is often criticized for lacking players of killer instinct. This season, however, was primed to be his big ticket to the title. The stunning performance against Manchester United underlined their title credentials and since then, the Gunners have seemed to have gone from strength to strength, as highlighted in the weekend win at Swansea City. It is a long season and anything can go wrong at any time (especially if you are Arsenal) but on current form, Wenger looks prime to go deep with his title ambitions.
A Top Four Surprise?
Manchester United continued to flounder, by continuing their barren scoring ways and even their most ardent supporters must be worried now, especially with Wayne Rooney looking no closer to finding the back of the net.
This should open the door for teams on the periphery like Leicester City, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to get notions of finishing amongst the elite. Leicester continued to justify their ‘come-back kings’ tag by winning yet another match from behind although West Ham United did have a hiccup, losing to Watford away from home and bloating their wonderful away record.
Tottenham continued their renaissance under Mauricio Pochettino and could be the dark horse in the race for top four. With Harry Kane finding his scoring boots again, they could be the team to watch out for. With the London derby next week against Arsenal, Kane could fire his team into contention at the right time.
Red Hot Players
Leicester seem to be "The Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez Show" at the moment with the two sharing 18 goals between them. The Foxes could be bracing for a raid in the winter window with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in Vardy and Mahrez. Will that unsettle them? Only time will tell.
