1
Tottenham Hotspur had one of the more interesting transfer
windows. Andre Villas-Boas was sacked by Chelsea last season for trying to
change too much too quickly, dropping established figures like Frank Lampard. Presumably,
his new bosses at Spurs have given him the free reign to overhaul the squad
which he did not have at Chelsea. Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart have
left the North London club, with a host of players including Moussa Dembele and
Clint Dempsey coming in. This year is likely to take on a transitional feel for
Spurs, as the new players bed in. It might well have long term benefits. It was
the drop-off in form that did for Harry Redknapp last year, rather than the final
league placing. With the changes made in the squad this year, Spurs will surely
be satisfied with any European qualification this season. To achieve that, they
have to learn how to hold on to a lead. An underwhelming start against
Newcastle United has been followed with back to back 1-1 draws in which Spurs
relinquished the lead. Both were against opposition you would have expected
them to beat. They languish on two points from three games. Looks like AVB’s
job is far from simple, and far from over.
2
With most teams having played only three games so far, there
are still a good few undefeated. Big guns like Chelsea and Manchester City, as
well as in-form Swansea, while Arsenal, Sunderland and Stoke have all yet to
taste defeat or victory. But under the radar, West Brom have taken seven points
from three games. Their performance against Liverpool in game one was largely
overlooked due to their opponents’ struggles. It was a similar story as they
snatched a late point against Tottenham last weekend. This week, they took on
Everton who had impressed in their two victories so far, and came away with a
convincing 2-0 win. Steve Clarke, the experienced coach who has taken on his
first managerial role, must receive a lot of credit. There had been questions
over whether he would be able to make the transition, but early signs suggest
he is taking to management with aplomb. It must be noted, of course, that
Wolves had seven points at this stage last season before plummeting to finish
the season a clear bottom. The Baggies will hope not to repeat this, but they
have impressed so far against three tough opponents.
3
Andy Carroll and Sam Allardyce could be a match made in
heaven. I’ve said it many times before, that Andy Carroll was not given a fair
go at Liverpool. They spent a fortune on him, but then didn’t play to his
strengths. He was then castigated for not scoring goals. When they did play
around Carroll, like in the FA Cup Final, he scored one goal and came so close
to another which would have levelled the game. The departure of Kenny Daglish
gave them the chance to rebuild, but bringing in Brendan Rodgers was the
death-knell for Carroll. Rodgers’ style is the antithesis of what Carroll
provides. For this reason, his transfer to West Ham makes complete sense.
Allardyce plays Carroll’s style of football. It took less than a minute for
Carroll to work his magic, a knock-down for Ricardo Vaz Te who fed Kevin Nolan,
Nolan slotting home on 53 seconds. The signing of Andy Carroll could be the
difference between survival and relegation this year for West Ham.
4
Many have said that Sunderland overpaid for Steven Fletcher.
The £12million fee was, without doubt, good business for Wolves. But it was
also good business for Sunderland, making it a deal from which both sides will
benefit. Fletcher fills a void for Sunderland, who lacked a goalscorer before
the Scot arrived on Wearside. Louis Saha was a solid squad signing but not
somebody to lead the line every week. Obviously one match does not prove
anything. But Fletcher’s brace in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City
should go a long way to proving the doubters wrong.
5
The whole management set-up at QPR needs to realise that it
is the team, not the individuals within it, which is important. QPR have well
and truly splashed the clash this summer, prompting many jokes about the size of
the squad. It is a squad full of well-known figures, some past their prime but
others still at the height of their careers. Don’t get me wrong, having a team
full of stars will win you some games. But something tells me that the owners
won’t be satisfied with the odd victory amongst disjointed performances. QPR,
as it stands, are not a team. If they are given time to gel, then they may be
on to something. But I get the feeling that they won’t be given much time. Neil
Warnock was sacked last season despite a solid start for a newly promoted side.
Mark Hughes is surely in quite a precarious position. And it would not be a
surprise if QPR splash the cash again in January, creating more difficulties as
the team gel.
6
Manchester City have been unconvincing in three games now
this season, yet still have seven points. This is an ominous sign for their
rivals this year. City could well have dropped points against a spirited
Southampton two weeks ago, and were made to work hard for their point against
Liverpool last week. For their standards this year, the 3-1 win over QPR was
convincing. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. QPR levelled the game at 1-1
after half-time and at 2-1 had some good chances to equalise again. Only an
injury time goal for Carlos Tevez put the result beyond doubt. City have played
just well enough to win twice now. QPR could perhaps learn from City, whose
team is full of superstars but is a well-gelled team. They have avoided wholesale
changes in favour of continuity. They are looking well placed for another title
challenge this year, and when City finally kick into gear they will be a force
to be reckoned with. Winning ugly, as City have done so far, is a mark of
Champions.
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