Premiership Review (Football in General)

Name: WormThatTurned

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Product:	Football in General
Date:	08/06/02 (79 review reads)
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Heres my review of the Premiership season just gone, an analysis of each teams performance, mentions for top performers, strengths and weaknesses and my opinion on the immediate future for each club.

1.ARSENAL
Arsenal's consistency more than anything else won them the title, they were unbeaten away and scored in every single match which is quite some achievement. Arsene Wenger has improved his side year on year and now has a side which is amongst the best in Europe. They are strong in all positions with no notable weaknesses. Seaman and Wright are two top keepers, Lauren on the right and Cole on the left are very attacking fullbacks who offer options. Campbell, Keown and veteran Adams marshall the backline and all three have bags of experience. Campbell impressed me most as he had a lot to overcome what with coming from rivals Spurs and took time to settle but the longer the season went the more imperious he looked. Wenger will be hoping new defender Cygan will be a useful addition. Parlour, Viera, Ljungberg and Pires are all excellent midfielders with Pires in particular top class. Henry, Wiltord, Kanu and Bergkamp offer strength in depth upfront with Henry again bagging a hatful of goals. Edu is emerging into the first team and looks exciting. An area for concern i think is if Viera leaves which has been speculated for some time, he would be very difficult to replace. Also they appear to need another top centre back with Adams likely to retire.
2.LIVERPOOL
Gerard Houllier has improved Liverpool significantly and they are also amongst the top sides in Europe. But for Gerard's illness this season it could have turned out even better as the team went through a real lull halfway into the season. They do at times falter against teams they should beat and probably need to improve again to actually win a title. Dudek for me was the best keeper of the season and helped them to have the best defensive record in the league. Riise was a real find
at left back and he looks special. Hyypia is the best centre halve in the league and he forges a good relationship with the underrated Henchoz. Carragher is a useful utility player and a real prospect at right back is Stephen Wright. Overrated Xavier reminds me of an ewok. In midfield theres the fantastic but injury prone Gerrard and the dependable Hamann, Murphy weighs in with his fair share of goals but theres a lack of width with only the lightweight Smicer and the deterioting Berger as recognised wingers. New signing Bowyer will add further steel in the middle. Owen, Heskey and Litmanen are all great strikers and the new signing Diouff will add further quality in that department. In my view they need a couple of new midfielders as Gerrard misses far too may games and theres a lack of depth in that department.
3.MANCHESTER UTD
United's terrible run in November/ early December cost them the title, they found themselves too far back and needed almost faultless form from then - on to keep the title and its testament to their attacking ability that they came so close, but it wasnt to be. Barthez despite the odd clanger is still a great stopper but the defence is a real worry. In my view Brown is overrated as is Phil Neville and with Irwin gone and Blanc at the veteran stage this is an area Ferguson really needs to sort out. Silvestre was an improved player last season and with Gary Neville they were there most consistent defenders. Midfield is second to none, Roy Keane is a winner and an inspirational leader. Scholes, Beckham, Veron and Giggs are all topclass. Upfront Van Nistelrooy and Solskaer have formed a great combination. Forlan the signing from Uruguay has yet to convince and Yorke looks like he needs a change of club. In my opinion they need a new face upfront too to cover in case of injury and a couple of centre halves. Veron will surely improve in his second season but i think their up against it in turning the tables on Arsenal with a lot of i
mpending change likely.
4.NEWCASTLE UTD
Newcastle surprised a lot of people with their re - emergence. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to progress. Given had a great season but in my view still makes a few mistakes. O'Brien is a great centre halve who holds them together and Hughes continues to improve. Bernard looks a good prospect on the left. Bramble will be a useful player for the future now that hes finally signed from Ipswich. In midfield we see Newcastles real strength, Dyer, Solano, Robert and Speed can cut it with the best and with promising youngsters McClen and Jenas coming through they will continue to be good going forward. Shearer and Bellamy had fine seasons and waiting in the wings are some fine prospects in Lua Lua, Amoebi and Cort. Newcastle really need to invest in their defence to keep where they are but are as good as any team attacking wise.
5.LEEDS UTD
Leeds have had some hard times and they will have to show character to prove the doubters wrong.The arrival of Venables at the club as the new manager is certainly going to make things interesting at Elland Rd. Bowyer the player accused but acquitted of a racist attack is leaving the club for Liverpool and could be followed by a couple more all caused by Leeds big spending but lack of results. Chairman Ridsdale is cutting cost now that theyve failed to qualify for the champions league. Theres no doubting the quality of the squad at Leeds. Martyn and Robinson are able keepers. Ferdinand, Mills, Woodgate, Radebe and Harte are all top quality defenders although it is rumoured Ferdinand will follow Bowyer. Hartes free - kicks are second only to Beckham. Dacourt (another possible leaver), Batty, Bakke, Mcphail, Kewell and Johnson offer strength in depth in midfield with Kewell being a particular favourite of mine. Viduka for me is lazy but Fowler, Smith and Keane are all top quality strikers. Smith will be one to watch as hes improving all the time as will Kewel
l as hes getting back to where he was two years ago. Theres no reason why Leeds shouldnt be top four, its just whether the fans, players and management stand together.
6.CHELSEA
Chelsea are a real Jekyll and Hyde side who can be brilliant one week and awful the next, this consistency prevented them reaching a higher position. Ranieri the manager makes some head scratching tactical errors and i seriously wonder if hes the man to take Chelsea forward. Chelsea are reportedly over 100 million pounds in debt and that could become a real heavy burden as money becomes more of an isuue over the next few years. Cudicini the keeper was a real find. Defensively they are solid with the likes of Gallas, Desailly, Mechiot, Le Saux and Terry around. In midfield Lampard was a big improver but Petit, Zenden and Stanic all disappointed. Gronkjaer offers width but upfront are Chelsea's big weopens - Gudjohnsen and Hasselbaink are top class and score goals a plenty. Zola can still produce some magic and Cole and Forssell are emerging through but it may get increasingly difficult for Chelsea to remain top six in the coming years, especially if they sell top players.
7.WEST HAM
After a shocking start in which time Roeder's job was under threat the Hammer's will be well pleased with seventh. They have some exciting youngsters and if they can keep them all and keep up their brilliant home form they could well match this position next season especially if they improve their terrible away form. James the keeper is much improved. At the back Schemmel really impressed me on the right. Repka can be hot headed but is very experienced as is Dailly, Winterburn and Pearce. Cole and Carrick are highly talented midfielders who can only get better. Sinclair, Hutchison and Lomas had good seasons while upfront Defoe has burst onto the scene. Hes only small but is a terrific finisher and looks an England certainty. Di Canio and Kanoute can trouble any defence but my big worry
for the Hammer's is if someone comes on for one of their big names they will sell.
8.ASTON VILLA
New manager Graham Taylor made an uninspiring start but hes already made a couple of astute signings and looks sure to move Villa up from this position next season. Enckelman will become first choice keeper and although talented he will be under pressure early on. At the back Barry, Alpay, Staunton, Mellberg, Delaney and Wright give them a solid look. Boateng and Hadji had steady seasons while Hendrie continues to improve. Hitzlesperger really emerged once given a chance by Taylor and looks one to watch in midfield. Upfront is the exciting Angel along with beanpole Crouch, ligtning quick Vassell and newboy Allback. Chairman Doug Ellis's policy of keeping the bank balance in the black could prove to be very wise in time.
9.TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Glenn Hoddle has improved Spurs and although they petered out towards the end of the season they reached a cup final and impressed many with their football. With two new signings already and more possible they could continue to climb the premiership ladder. Finishing was their big problem, time and time again they couldnt take their chances and either drew or lost when they should have won. Sullivan and Keller are two reliable keepers. Carr on the right is top class and Ziege's crossing on the left is among the best around. King, Doherty and Gardner are all improving defenders while Richards and Perry offer stability. In the middle is one of my favourite players Davies plus the effective Poyet. Anderton has matured and cut out the injuries and along with new boys Redknapp and Acimovic the midfield looks stronger. Upfront is where the problem lies with only veterans Ferdinand and Sheringham who can cut the mustard. Spurs need to focus upfront if they want to challenge for a top six place.
10.BLACKBURN ROVERS
Underrated manager Graeme Souness has done a wonderful job in his two seasons at Blackburn, b
ringing along his youngsters and making some canny signings. Friedel the keeper has proved he can perform at the top level. They have a blend of experience and youth at the back with Berg, Short, Bjornbeye, Taylor and Johansson. Blackburn's wide men Duff and Mahon are very exciting and can rip teams apart - this is a major strength. Tugay was a clever signing and Dunn is getting better and better. Upfront Cole was another very clever signing scoring goals for fun. Jansen is another improving player and should get a few England chances in the coming years. Blackburn will be looking to continue to improve but they mustn't rest on their laurels and add to their squad.
11.SOUTHAMPTON
Now that Southampton have moved to St Mary's stadium and get much bigger crowds they have become a mid table team instead of one fighting relegation. They had a poor start and brought in Gordon Strachan and hes really got them working for each other. Im not a fan of Jones the keeper due to his calamitous errors but they do have some very talented players. Bridge at left back has a great left foot and has broken into the England team. Lundekvam and Williams had steady seasons and have bags of experience. Delap has a great left foot and a powerful shot on him. Tessem, Draper, Oakley and Svennson are all underrated. Upfront Southampton have some real gems - James Beattie is a fine allround centre forward and Pahars can be lethal. Ormerod looked useful and looks a player to follow next season. Southampton should continue to steer clear of relegation and sit pretty in the mid table and maybe even look towards European qualification in a year or two!
12.MIDDLESBOROUGH
Steve McClaren has made the Boro very hard to beat and is beginning to build a team that should start to climb the ladder. Scwarzer the keeper is a solid keeper but the real strength is the back four. Quedrue was a shrewd buy while Southgate and Ehiogu form one of the best centre half partnerships in the
league. Ince is inspirational and tigerish in the middle but could be leaving while Greening looks a player to follow. Marinelli can be frustrating but can also turn a match. Upfront Boksic is class but tends to miss a lot of games. Nemeth has been disappointing but Whelan had his best season for a while. Maccarone their new signing from Italy could improve their cutting edge next season. The Boro should continue to focus on keeping them out while they search for the key elements that are lacking upfront. Another mid table finish beckons.
13.FULHAM
Big spending Fulham disappointed badly and the money wasnt spent wisely. They have some talent but lack cutting edge in front of goal and having already spent millions Al Fayed may be unwilling to go the same route next season. I wouldnt be surprised if Tigana was shown the door. Van Der Sar was a strong performer while the wing backs Brevett and Finnan impressed me immensely. Knight looks a prospect but Goma for me isn't that good. In the middle Malbranque was sensational and Davis continues to develop but lacked width and got overrun at times. Upfront Marlet showed great speed but lacked goals considering his hefty price tag. Saha is tricky but lightweight while Hayles and Boa Morte are vastly overrated. Another season of struggle is predicted.
14.CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Alan Curbishley has done wonders at Charlton and despite a mixed season they can be proud of what they achieved the season just gone. They have a fraction of what other clubs have but continue to hold their own in the Premier and while Curbishley stays at the club they should continue to surprise. Kiely is a good stopper while Powell, Rufus, Fish and Young are proven quality defenders. Fortune was a great find and Rowett looks a useful signing. Konchesky and Parker are youngsters improving all the time while established stars such as Stuart, Kinsella and Jensen all did a good job. Euell had a patchy season as did all Charlton's striker
s and this is perhaps the area Curbishley needs to look at most.
15.EVERTON
I like Everton's new manager David Moyes a lot and rate him highly but Everton are a club in turmoil due in main to their 60 million plus debts. For a team that has become lower table that is like a millstone round the neck and the club needs some strong handling over the coming years if they are not to drop out of the Premiership. Gerrard and Simonsen are average keepers. Weir and Stubbs were probably their best players and they need to produce more of the same next season. Naysmith is a good player as are Watson, Graveson and Gemmill but Everton lack real quality in the middle. Radzinski did ok but Campbell had a poor season and Ferguson missed too many games (as usual). Chadwick looks a prospect upfront but i predict a decade of strife for poor old Everton.
16.BOLTON
Bolton did wonderfully well to stay up and Sam Allardyce is a very astute manager. Bolton took a chance and signed big names on big wages to help them stay up and it worked but they need to start to look at the longer term if they want to stay in the Premiership. Jaaskelainen is a useful keeper and they have plenty of experience at the back with Warhurst, Bergsson and Hendry. Gardner is useful on the left and Nolan had a superb first season and should continue to progress. Ricketts petered out after a good start and it will be interesting to see how he gets on but he should relish playing with the likes of Bobic and Djorkaeff upfront. Bolton need to look at improving their squad and cementing their position in the Premier but they have certainly made their ambitions known with the signing of Okocha. With 'Big Sam' at the helm they look capable.
17.SUNDERLAND
Sunderland are a one dimensional team and now that the opposition know how to play against them they are struggling big time and it will be a short price that Peter Reid will be the first managerial casualty of the new season. Sorenson
the keeper is a strength as is left back Gray who is very good. Thome, Bjorklund, Craddock and Williams give Sunderland a very solid look at the back. McCartney is a player to watch as hes progressing all the time. Kilbane provides width on the left but Scwarz, Oster, Thirlwell, Reyna and McCann make up a moderate midfield. Phillips is a very useful finisher but could be leaving while Mboma is good in the air and Quinn is no longer a 90 minute player. I think Sunderland need a change before they can expect to climb back up the league.
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Relegated; Ipswich, Derby and Leicester City.

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