The turn of the year is traditionally the halfway point in England’s Premier League, so it is the perfect time to assess who’s looking good for the title and who’s looking like going down.
Arsenal
Position; 3rdGrade; B+
Record; 11-3-5 (Home 6-0-3, Away 5-3-2)Leading scorer; Samir Nasri (8 goals)Most assists; Andrei Arshavin (9 assists)Star player; Samir NasriKey player; Thomas Vermaelen
It’s been a decent season from Arsene Wenger’s Gunners but they’ve failed to convince as they try to mount a title challenge. Samir Nasri has been the shining light, while Jack Wilshere promises plenty and Lukasz Fabianski has impressed in goals. Marouane Chamakh has also given them plenty of cutting edge in attack, but their defence is an issue at times and they’ll need to rectify that if they’re to mount a genuine title challenge.
Aston Villa
Position; 15thGrade; C
Record; 5-5-9 (Home 4-4-2, Away 1-1-7)Leading scorer; Stewart Downing (5 goals)Most assists; Ashley Young (5 assists)Star player; Ashley YoungKey player; Richard Dunne
Villa have struggled since the departure of former boss Martin O’Neill and key midfielder James Milner and this season has become all about survival under Gerard Houllier. They have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and while Ashley Young and the Villa youngsters are exciting in attack, they need to find stability at the back. Injuries haven’t helped but should finish midtable.
Birmingham City
Position; 17thGrade; C-
Record; 3-10-5 (Home 3-5-1, Away 0-5-4)Leading scorer; Craig Gardner (4 goals)Most assists; Sebastian Larsson (4 assists)Star player; Ben FosterKey player; Alexander Hleb
After last season’s top-half finish Alex McLeish’s Brum are fighting the drop this term, with wins hard to come by. Goals appear to be hard to come by too for Brum, by that was the case last season. Things aren’t really going there way and they need some spark in attack, with Nikola Zigic and Alexander Hleb the men to provide that.
Blackburn
Position; 9thGrade; B-
Record; 7-4-9 (Home 4-3-3, Away 3-1-6)Leading scorer; Morten Gamst Pedersen & Nikola Kalinic (4 goals)Most assists; Morten Gamst Pedersen (4 assists)Star player; Morten Gamst PedersenKey player; Chris Samba
Rovers had been experiencing a fairly smooth campaign (ignoring the 7-1 humbling at Old Trafford) before new owners the Venkys got rid of boss Sam Allardyce for assistant Steve Kean to take over. It’s added some doubt about where Rovers are headed. What’s not in doubt is the fact they need to find a regular goalscorer.
Blackpool
Position; 8thGrade; A+
Record; 7-4-6 (Home 2-2-2, Away 5-2-4)Leading scorer; DJ Campbell, Luke Varney & Marlon Harewood (5 goals)Most assists; Charlie Adam (4 assists)Star player; Ian EvattKey player; Charlie Adam
Ian Holloway has done an incredible job with the Tangerines this campaign. Expected to be relegated comfortably, Blackpool has performed wonderfully on the road with a style of play offering plenty of style and substance. With games in hand, they should comfortably avoid the drop and maybe even finish top-half.
Bolton
Position; 6thGrade; A
Record; 7-8-5 (Home 5-4-1, Away 2-4-4)Leading scorer; Johan Elmander (9 goals)Most assists; Kevin Davies, Johan Elmander & Lee Chung-Yong (4 assists)Star player; Johan ElmanderKey player; Kevin Davies
Owen Coyle is another boss who has exceeded all expectations this season, performing miracles at Bolton to turn them into a wonderful footballing side. Johan Elmander has turned the corner, while Stuart Holden, Lee Chung-Yong and Kevin Davies are wonderful attacking threats. Quality.
Chelsea
Position; 4thGrade; B-
Record; 10-4-5 (Home 7-1-1, Away 3-3-4)Leading scorer; Florent Malouda (8 goals)Most assists; Didier Drogba (8 assists)Star player; Florent MaloudaKey player; Michael Essien
After an unbelievably awesome start to the season, Chelsea’s recent run of six Premiership matches without a win has their title hopes fading. Injuries to key men John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien haven’t helped, but they need to re-discover their killing instinct and finest form. They’re not too far behind, but need to really get going soon. The 1-0 win over Bolton in midweek helps but they are yet to really convince.
Everton
Position; 11thGrade; C+
Record; 4-10-5 (Home 2-4-3, Away 2-6-2)Leading scorer; Tim Cahill (9 goals)Most assists; Leighton Baines (6 assists)Star player; Tim CahillKey player; Mikel Arteta
David Moyes’ Toffees typically started slowly but got going, eventually. They’ve hardly set the world on fire and have been relying on Australian Tim Cahill in attack. His absence due to the Asian Cup will be a blow in January. They need some spark from Mikel Arteta, Louis Saha and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, while they are missing Marouane Fellaini.
Fulham
Position; 18thGrade; D
Record; 3-10-6 (Home 2-5-3, Away 1-5-3)Leading scorer; Clint Dempsey (5 goals)Most assists; Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Salcido & Moussa Dembele (2 assists)Star player; Clint DempseyKey player; Bobby Zamora
Mark Hughes’ job at Craven Cottage is far from safe, after last season’s Europa League finalists slumped into the bottom three by the turn of the year. With Mark Schwarzer and Brede Hangeland at the back they still aren’t conceding many, but need more goals. Bobby Zamora has been missed, while Andy Johnson’s recent return should help.
Liverpool
Position; 12thGrade; D-
Record; 6-4-8 (Home 5-2-2, Away 1-2-6)Leading scorer; Fernando Torres (5 goals)Most assists; Steven Gerrard (3 assists)Star player; Pepe ReinaKey player; Steven Gerrard
The Reds have had a woeful term so far. In fact, it really couldn’t be going much worse for Roy Hodgson since taking over at Anfield. Liverpool’s big-name players simply are not delivering while the squad appears lacking the quality required to really challenge for the European spots, let alone the title. Investment needed. And it’s unclear if Hodgson is the right man for the job.
Manchester City
Position; 2ndGrade; A-
Record; 11-5-4 (Home 5-3-2, Away 6-2-2)Leading scorer; Carlos Tevez (12 goals)Most assists; James Milner & Carlos Tevez (5 assists)Star player; Carlos TevezKey player; Yaya Toure
There’s been a range of off-field issues at City this season, but the team has somehow managed to get the job done and put a genuine title case forward to sit second at the turn of the year. Carlos Tevez, who said he wanted out of City earlier in the season, has been the standout while there’s been cameos from David Silva, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson. Roberto Mancini’s job appears safe for now, but can they actually find that consistency and push for the title. Not sure?
Manchester United
Position; 1stGrade; A
Record; 10-8-0 (Home 9-1-0, Away 1-7-0)Leading scorer; Dimitar Berbatov (14 goals)Most assists; Nani (8 assists)Star player; Dimitar BerbatovKey player; Wayne Rooney
Despite an awful run of away draws early in the campaign, the Red Devils appear the most likely to clinch the Premiership title this season as they sit top and undefeated at the turn of the year. With Wayne Rooney expected to make a bigger impact in 2011, this side could be hard to catch. Dimitar Berbatov, Nani and Park Ji-Sung have been fantastic, but a solid backline of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar is proving crucial. For me, they’ll be champions.
Newcastle United
Position; 13th Grade; B-
Record; 6-4-9 (Home 3-3-4, Away 3-1-5)Leading scorer; Andy Carroll (11 goals)Most assists; Joey Barton (5 assists)Star player; Kevin NolanKey player; Sol Campbell
It’s been a strange campaign for the Magpies, who saw Chris Hughton dismissed by owner Mike Ashley despite memorable victories over Sunderland and Arsenal and a draw against Chelsea. Newcastle’s new boss Alan Pardew has an unenviable challenge winning over the fans, but if he can clean up the Magpies leaky defence he’ll go some way to doing that. Andy Carroll’s goals have been important, while Chiek Tiote has been a superb acquisition. Should survive.
Stoke City
Position; 10thGrade; B-
Record; 7-3-9 (Home 4-2-4, Away 3-1-5)Leading scorer; Robert Huth & Kenwyne Jones (4 goals)Most assists; Matthew Etherington (5 assists)Star player; Matthew EtheringtonKey player; Robert Huth
Tony Pulis’ Stoke continue to establish themselves as a worthy Premiership outfit but a lack of goals this campaign is cause for concern, especially when your topscorer is your defensive rock. Stoke’s approach works for them, but it would be good to see them aim a bit higher and try something a bit different.
Sunderland
Position; 7th Grade; A-
Record; 6-9-5 (Home 5-4-1, Away 1-5-4)Leading scorer; Darren Bent (7 goals)Most assists; Jordan Henderson & Asamoah Gyan (2 assists)Star player; Asamoah GyanKey player; Michael Turner
Steve Bruce has done a wonderful job with the Black Cats this season and their results against the big clubs has been most pleasing. Their home record is also worth feeling proud about. The side’s attacking threats of Asamoah Gyan, Danny Welbeck and Darren Bent offers them plenty. Perhaps some stability in needed at the back but this team appears in control and destined for a top-half finish.
Tottenham Hotspur
Position; 5thGrade; A-
Record; 9-6-4 (Home 5-4-1, Away 4-2-3)Leading scorer; Rafael van der Vaart (8 goals)Most assists; Peter Crouch (5 assists)Star player; Gareth BaleKey player; Rafael van der Vaart
Harry Redknapp continues to impress everyone with the job he’s done transforming Spurs into a tpo four side. Juggling the Premiership with his Champions League duties has been difficult but Tottenham has remained in the top four hunt again this season. Gareth Bale’s campaign has been wonderful for Spurs, while Rafael van der Vaart has been signing of the season. The backline may need some work, with William Gallas and Heurelho Gomes failing to convince at times.
West Bromwich Albion
Position; 14thGrade; C+
Record; 6-4-9 (Home 4-2-3, Away 2-2-6)Leading scorer; Peter Odemwingie (6 goals)Most assists; Chris Brunt (8 assists)Star player; Jerome ThomasKey player; Paul Scharner
After a bright start to the campaign, Albion have hit on hard times recently which has raised question marks about their ability to stay in the top flight. Roberto Di Matteo has done a fine job at the club so far, but he needs to find a few answers. Chris Brunt, Youssuf Mulumbu and Peter Odemwingie have been decent this term, but there’s a few defensive issues to resolve, as they’ve conceded the most goals in the Premiership along with Villa.
West Ham United
Position; 20thGrade; D-
Record; 3-8-9 (Home 2-4-4, Away 1-4-5)Leading scorer; Frederic Piquionne (5 goals)Most assists; Victor Obinna (3 assists)Star player; Scott ParkerKey player; Robert Green
It’s been a miserable campaign for the Hammers under Avram Grant, yet the Israeli retains his job despite sitting bottom on New Years’ Eve. The goals against column is a major concern for West Ham, while finding the right mix in attack has been hard to do. Scott Parker is the lifeblood of the team but is too often left with too much to do and the Hammers could be heading down.
Wigan Athletic
Position; 16thGrade; C-
Record; 4-8-7 (Home 2-5-3, Away 2-3-4)Leading scorer; Hugo Rodallega (5 goals)Most assists; Charles N’Zogbia & Franco Di Santo (2 assists)Star player; Charles N’ZogbiaKey player; Antolin Alcaraz
Roberto Martinez is living a charmed life in charge of Wigan but it’s not clear how much longer that can go on as they continue to battle the drop. Wigan have scored the fewest goals in the Premiership so far this campaign and they need to win the midfield to give Hugo Rodallege and Charles N’Zogbia more opportunities. They are short on quality and face a battle to survive.
Wolverhampton
Position; 19thGrade; D
Record; 5-3-11 (Home 4-2-4, Away 1-1-7)Leading scorer; Sylvan Ebanks-Blake & Steven Fletcher (4 goals)Most assists; Kevin Doyle & Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (3 assists)Star player; Matthew JarvisKey player; Kevin Doyle
It’s been a grim campaign for Wolves, with little joy this season at the Molineux. Mick McCarthy has to start getting the results or else the yoyo club will be back down in the second tier. Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt are needed to produce more in attack, but down back they appear unable to deal with top-class opponents. Hard to see them surviving.