When Harry Redknapp took over the reins at Tottenham Hotspur from Portsmouth a week ago, the jury was unsure about the effectiveness of the move. In their first 8 games this season, Spurs, under Juande Ramos, could muster only 2 points. Spurs were in free fall, and below Bolton and even Newcastle (!) in the drop zone.
Redknapp’s arrival though has turned fortunes around at White Hart Lane. And today’s win over league leaders Liverpool makes it 7 points out of a possible 9 under the new manager. Belief is key to victory, and Spurs seem to be finding their feet.
The loss for Liverpool is good news for Manchester United, who are within 5 points of the top two, and with a game in hand. United though made it tough for themselves allowing Hull City to come back within striking distance after leading the visitors 4-1. While the Red Devils did win the points, the manner in which they won it raises doubts if they are up to the task of making it a hat-trick of Premier League crowns.
And Chelsea’s form is cause for concern at Old Trafford. The Blues romped home 5-0 against Roy Keane’s Sunderland. Poor is an inadequate adjective to describe the Wearsiders; abysmal sounds just about appropriate for a side that has stuttered in their aims to break into the top half of the Premiership. This could be another long season for Sunderland, as the relegation battle looms large.
Arsenal, who could only manage a draw in their midweek derby against Tottenham (4-4, after leading 4-2 with just two minutes to go), continued their poor streak with a loss to Stoke. Given Chelsea’s form, Liverpool’s ability to win games and Man United’s resurgence, it seems doubtful if the Gunners will be able to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership.
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Tags: Arsenal, Bolton, Chelsea, Gunners, Harry Redknapp, Hull City, Juande Ramos, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Portsmouth, Premier League, Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, White Hart Lane
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November 1st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I happened to watch both the matches and I must say that in spite of my liking for ManU and the stars there, the dull team of Chelsea with its comparatively unknown players were much much better in terms of passing, defence and gameplay though the flair was not there. Once the likes of Ballack and Drogba become part of the regular 11, then Chelsea will be a force. I think this time the title race is among Chelsea, ManU and Liverpool. I don’t think Arsenal, post Henry, will be even giving some fight to the other 3.
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 am
@Selva: Agree mostly. But Chelsea’s team isn’t “comparatively unknown”. Most of these players have been a part of the Chelsea first team. Also, Arsenal’s problem isn’t just in the striking department. Their defence tends to switch off for long periods. They conceded two goals in the dying minutes of the Tottenham game in midweek. I would bring in more solid defenders than add to the Gunners’ front line.
December 8th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Hello there,
I am Peter Robert Casey and I am a basketball columnist. I have initiated an idea to create a sports blogroll where bloggers from all sports disciplines could participate. All you need to do is to add my blog link to your blog and i’ll do the same. That way, we could have a mutual partnership and we could refer visitors to each other’s blog.
Please let me know if you would be interested.
Your’s in Hoops,
Peter Robert Casey
http://www.peterrobertcasey.com