The Gown Student Newspaper at Queen's University Belfast

SPORT: Not a time to bet

For anybody looking to put a punt on who’s going to win the Premier League or even clinch a Champions League place this year, they should probably withhold such confidence. Already this season, title holders Manchester United have been beaten my newcomers Burnley, Liverpool have went on their worst run since 1987 having lost four games in a row, and Chelsea were deservedly beaten my top four hopefuls Aston Villa. The established order is going through a shaky time indeed.

BY JASON GALLAGHER

Before the league started a few major changes had taken place. Who can argue that Ronaldo’s departure wasn’t a catalyst for Manchester United’s lack of flourish this season? This was the man who devastated the ‘lower order’ and renowned for arousing his teams confidence with the so called ‘step over.’ Fellow Mancunian’s, Man City enjoyed a spending spree like never before. Adebayor, Tevez, Barry and Santa Cruz were just a couple of the top names Mark Hughes managed to convince into joining, no doubt with the aim of a top four finish.

At present, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa are probably the only teams capable of breaking the mould; however, Sunderland lie just two points behind league favourites Liverpool. Over the past years, these were the teams always with ability to achieve, but always falling by the wayside. This year is different; these teams have players beginning to fulfil their potential for the first time, with such names as Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Defoe and James Milner giving performances that have destroyed defences made up of England’s best.

Funding by foreign investors has obviously accredited Man City’s rise to fame and fortune. However, for Tottenham and Aston Villa, managerial experience, excellent strategy and the excellent nurturing of young players have benefited their teams significantly.

Beach ball or not, the established order could look very different by the end of the season. Perhaps the ‘top four’ description will change to the ‘top six’, and maybe Manchester United will get stuffed by Hull City…but one thing is for sure, Match of Day will be on every Saturday night.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 6:33 pm and is filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.