Blackburn had finally pipped Manchester United to the title in 1995, and although they would go on to lose that subsequent Charity Shield match against Everton, they still set an important benchmark that year – that money could buy you the title. In just a few years, Kenny Dalglish used Jack Walker’s millions to buy the best around (at the time). Shearer, Flowers, Sutton, Ripley, Sherwood, Le Saux et al, and yes even David ‘pass it sideways’ Batty. In fact David Batty already had a league winner’s medal after winning the title with Leeds in 1992.
As we approach the end of summer 2010, it is now the turn of Manchester City to try and pose a new threat to the established elite. Despite losing out on qualification for the Champions League, City have crucially still managed to attract the calibre of player they needed to improve. Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov (should he sign) will bolster a defence that often bottled it at crucial times last season. More significantly, any City fans concerned about David Silva’s lack of involvement in South Africa need not worry. Silva is the real deal. Even Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas isn’t first choice for Spain...
City are improving at a steadyrate, though United and Chelsea seem to have, squad-wise at least, stalled. Chelsea have released smug German international Michael Ballack, and more surprisingly Joe Cole, and have failed to build on an ageing squad. United still lack a world-class central midfielder, and also the firepower to aid Wayne Rooney. The defences of the top two, in particular, are unstable, whether through injuries or personal issues. In fact, John Terry now seems to resemble an ageing house-cat, lumbering about with misplaced arrogance, relying on others to help to clean up after him.
It is the quality and depth of squad that City has this season which is their main advantage. When it comes down to it, week after week, quality counts. Silva and Andrew Johnson will be fluid and dangerous on the wings. Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure will prove as tough as anyone to get past in midfield. Shay Given and Joe Hart are outstanding keepers on their day. Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure are experienced defenders hungry for success, and even Micah Richards may yet prove he has a degree of footballing ability an. Tevez and Adebayor have plenty of class up front, and more importantly goals. Indeed it’s hard to watch a game in which Carlos Tevez plays in, and for you to not expect the Argentinean to emerge victorious. He’s just that stubborn. Those that argue that Craig Bellamy will be a huge miss for City should he go should just bear in mind that Craig Bellamy has been playing Premiership football for 10 years, never attracted a top club, and only has a Charity Shield winners medal to show for his time in English football. And you know how I feel about the Charity Shield...
I just can’t see the current top two being on their game enough this season to stop the momentum of City. I don’t expect a revolution of such in future years, but Chelsea and United need to be better than they currently are, if they are to thwart City’s chances. City have been knocking on the door, and although sceptics will say that City lack the experience to win the league, experience will only get you so far. In fact Chelsea won the title in 2005 without any serious title-challenges in the years leading up to their first Premiership trophy. So it’s City for me this year. Of course, I’ve actually wagered 25 quid on City to win the league, via Betfair, so chances are that City will finish 7th...
As we approach the end of summer 2010, it is now the turn of Manchester City to try and pose a new threat to the established elite. Despite losing out on qualification for the Champions League, City have crucially still managed to attract the calibre of player they needed to improve. Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov (should he sign) will bolster a defence that often bottled it at crucial times last season. More significantly, any City fans concerned about David Silva’s lack of involvement in South Africa need not worry. Silva is the real deal. Even Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas isn’t first choice for Spain...
City are improving at a steadyrate, though United and Chelsea seem to have, squad-wise at least, stalled. Chelsea have released smug German international Michael Ballack, and more surprisingly Joe Cole, and have failed to build on an ageing squad. United still lack a world-class central midfielder, and also the firepower to aid Wayne Rooney. The defences of the top two, in particular, are unstable, whether through injuries or personal issues. In fact, John Terry now seems to resemble an ageing house-cat, lumbering about with misplaced arrogance, relying on others to help to clean up after him.
It is the quality and depth of squad that City has this season which is their main advantage. When it comes down to it, week after week, quality counts. Silva and Andrew Johnson will be fluid and dangerous on the wings. Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure will prove as tough as anyone to get past in midfield. Shay Given and Joe Hart are outstanding keepers on their day. Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure are experienced defenders hungry for success, and even Micah Richards may yet prove he has a degree of footballing ability an. Tevez and Adebayor have plenty of class up front, and more importantly goals. Indeed it’s hard to watch a game in which Carlos Tevez plays in, and for you to not expect the Argentinean to emerge victorious. He’s just that stubborn. Those that argue that Craig Bellamy will be a huge miss for City should he go should just bear in mind that Craig Bellamy has been playing Premiership football for 10 years, never attracted a top club, and only has a Charity Shield winners medal to show for his time in English football. And you know how I feel about the Charity Shield...
I just can’t see the current top two being on their game enough this season to stop the momentum of City. I don’t expect a revolution of such in future years, but Chelsea and United need to be better than they currently are, if they are to thwart City’s chances. City have been knocking on the door, and although sceptics will say that City lack the experience to win the league, experience will only get you so far. In fact Chelsea won the title in 2005 without any serious title-challenges in the years leading up to their first Premiership trophy. So it’s City for me this year. Of course, I’ve actually wagered 25 quid on City to win the league, via Betfair, so chances are that City will finish 7th...
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