1. ManUre. Look as strong as their multi million pound squad makes them and in principle are able to go on and win the championship next year. Variables that might upset that are the loss of Gaynaldo and Tevez and the end careers of Scholes, Giggs, Nevinbred - Ure must decide whether to spend 80 million in replacing them. PurpleFergie hopefully in his last year and faces going out in style though no logical successor from within to maintain continuity. Overall in reasonable condition but with cracks being pasted over. When they fall off their perch it will be because of boredom.
2. Chavski. a two faced tart playing attractive football but liable to fall apart after a couple of bad results. Dont miss Felipão, Hiddink only a termporary solution. Unsettled players and attitudes, hopefully Drogba will go this summer, Shevchenko is an unjustifiable drain on funds and Ballack's a dandy. Hopefully they wont win the FA cup which will leave them having had a bad season by their standard and cost. Their stadium is way too small to support their costs and they´re still over dependant on RA to chequebook them. Bottom line, they play some attractive football but its still not a sustainable business plan. Most likely to implode in the next 3-5 years, rather like Newcastle. They still dont attract a following within or outside of football, its the same set of fans cheering a plastic club.
3. Arsenal. Its gone to the dogs. Wenger has got the fans used to miracles from ramshackle teams of unknown youngsters and this year it came home to roost. Credit to AFC they built a new stadium without debt, they have strong shareholders and a first class manager but the fact they havent spent money has become an urgent issue. They have deficiencies in all areas and probably need to buy 5-6 quality players (compared to MU) to patch the holes before they become a major concern - otherwise you might see Aston Villa, Spurs or even the Bitters overtake them next year. Wenger says he could be interested in going to Real Madrid, that could be a threat in turn to get transfer funds. If not, Wenger realises the games up and is off before the wheels fall off the wagon. Arshaven was a good buy but like Robinho, we cant reverse the trend by himself.
4. LFC. Another solid season spoilt by the January collapse. Other clubs had poor first quarters which allowed us to get a head of steam that brought confidence and the last 5-8 games have shown how we can take a weaker squad than ManUres and make them into champions. Rafa has demonstrated beyond all doubt he is the best manager in the league and has the ability to win all trophies. The squad is still not complete, there are 7-8 squad players who arent good enough and probably 4 positions that need reinforcing double quick if we are to win the league next season. The backroom has been rebuilt, the academy is in good hands, the club appears to be better organised. Clearly the owners loan and lack of new stadium funds are massive missing pieces in the jigsaw which need urgent rectification as does the guarantee of a sizeable transfer kitty to replace the non-performers. Overall, the club, manager and players have moved forward this season and I see a perfect springboard to win the league next season providing we get a good start.
In summary. ManUre manintained their position and performance, Liverpool improved position, performances, credibility and threat fear and must be seen as the next young, hungry champions with everything to prove, Chelsea had a lacklustre season which if they dont turn it round next season could signal the start of a decline and Arsenal have to prove to the world they´re not a spent force.
Onwards and upwards.
