After a Pandemic that has crippled many clubs financially, many big-name players made unthinkable moves. The premier league has seen a shift of fortunes in Europe in recent years after several years of poor performances in European competitions. With more amassment of talent and brains, this season offers more excitement than ever before. The prodigal son Lukaku’s return back to the capital has transformed Chelsea as he looked dominant on his first game back. While on the other side, Harry Kane has stayed back in the capital despite several transfer rumours akin to Gareth Bale’s move back in 2013. Liverpool got back their captain and the entire squad looks more confident but, the biggest shock has been the return of Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester after more than a decade.
With the closure of the transfer window, we can have a breakdown of the favourites for the title and the top four.
Chelsea
Last season finish: 4th
New Arrivals: Romelu Lukaku, Saul Niguez, Trevor Chalobah
Notable Exits: Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori
Chelsea under Tuchel has taken a transformative turn into a legitimate force the board intended after investing over a 200million in signings last year. After a hot pursuit of Erling Haaland fell through due to increased wage demands and agent fees, the board finally decided to sign to bring back their former prodigy, Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has started the season in great form. Chelsea possesses phenomenal squad depth made up of a mix of young and experienced players. Jorginho has been an instrument in the middle clearing build-up plays and stopping momentum with clever foul baiting tactics much like his performance for Italy at the Euros. The game against Liverpool last weekend showed just how well coached this team is under Tuchel. Despite giving away a penalty and losing a defender, the team managed to secure a draw and still managed to threaten a handful of chances in the second half. Chelsea have also managed to secure the signing of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid, a deep-lying defender to provide cover for Kante who is presently facing an injury record.
Prediction: Presently as constructed, Chelsea F.C. are the favourites for the season given the squad depth, tactically soundness and the presence of Lukaku upfront. Tuchel’s biggest failure at PSG was his inability to control the Ego of the Big players but, he has the perfect opportunity of success at Chelsea with a hungry squad and a chance to correct his mistakes.
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| Lukaku gives Chelsea the young Chelsea side the competitive edge |
Manchester City
Last season: 1st
New Arrivals: Jack Grealish
Notable Exits: Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia
The defending champions have improved their squad with the addition of Jack Grealish but, failed to acquire a striker to replace Sergio Aguero who left for greener pastures in Spain. Harry Kane deal fell through due to extreme demands from Tottenham as did their quiet pursuit of Erling Haaland whilst, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to return to his former home. The Sky Blues have started the season in great fashion with Jesus and Ferran Torres showing they can rise up to the task. Having won the last two games with more than 4 goals per game, there is superior confidence in the squad but, Guardiola still needs a top striker who can rise up during close games and big games as evidenced from the opening game against Tottenham. Manchester City possesses a lot of talent to provide an entertaining season and make a more aggressive approach for Haaland next year as Pep eyes the European crown.
Prediction: Top 4 finish, likely 2nd Place
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| City have had eight different goal scorers since the start of the season despite the loss of club legend Sergio Aguero |
Liverpool
Last season: 3rd
New Arrivals: Ibrahima Konate
Notable Exits: Xherdan Shaqiri, Georginio Wijnaldum
Liverpool had a very quiet in the transfer making only an early cover in the centre back in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig and could not get Wijnaldum to resign. After a season of misfortune last year losing van Dijk and Gomez to injury and a lack of cohesion in their front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane. Liverpool somehow made it into the top four due to Leicester’s late slipup. Virgil van Dijk is back in great form looking almost like himself despite coming back from an ACL injury. Firmino still looks off but, Salah and Mane are looking clinical. With the cover in the back for van Dijk, Liverpool will bank on their forwards to carry them to the trophy. Their midfield looks old and slow, they need an aggressive attacking midfielder to press higher up the field.
Prediction: Top four finish, likely 4th place edging past Tottenham and well clear of West Ham at 6
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| Van Dijk signed a new deal and looks more or less back to his former self |
Manchester United
Last season: 2nd
New Arrivals: Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Varane, Jadon Sancho
Notable Exits: Daniel James
What a transformative window united have had this season. They got a young talent in Sancho whom they have vetted over the past year, they got a proven winner in Raphael Varane from Madrid for only 50 million Euros and to top it all they got Cristiano Ronaldo. The former United man comes back a more experienced player than the one who left a decade ago despite the wear and tear. Ronaldo is still a genuine threat and a clinical finisher whose years in Juventus have created another threat in his game shot creation. If not for the poor finishing in Turin, Ronaldo would have more assists to his name last season. Ole Gunnar Solskaer has a genuine title contender in this squad, United’s faith in Ole is paying off and they have a squad quality to attract top talents. Ole will require time to figure out his best squad, Cavani let go of the number 7 shirt to Cristiano but, will still look to fight for his place upfront. This united squad may not win the league but, will set their sights on the European trophy with a veteran squad but, a trophy at the end of the season is a must for Ole after splashing the cash on proven winners.
Prediction: 3rd Place
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| Ronaldo is back and scored two goals on his first game back. With Rafael Varane and Maguire in the back, united can give a stern competition but, will likely prioritize the champions league post the winter break |
Tottenham look set to enter a rebuilding phase with a new coach and with no significant arrivals, they do not possess the squad depth of the Top 4 mentioned above to play throughout the season. Leicester and West Ham will provide tough competition but, this season is set to offer a very close season with a well-balanced squad among the Top 4.
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| A highly expected transfer to Manchester City fell through and the English Captain has decided to stay back at the club with a cryptic text but, a lack of new signings in key areas puts spurs just outside the Top 4. |
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