by azriahmad » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:06 am
I wouldn't say that manure are already in decline, it a double whammy thing.
Chelski are loaded with both talent and money and obviously they are percieved to be at the very top of the tree now. Last season's achievement showed Cheski's quality - record EPL points collection, low goals conceded etc. They have stocked up yet again with overpriced but still quality players - SWP and Essien in particular, I don't know much about Del Horno. Mourinho is nobody's fool, not after steering Porto to 2 successive European titles on a shoestring budget relative to the opposition in general.
Back to the topic at hand, while Chelsea have strengthened in the playing and management department, the mancs may have been weakening in the playing department as Fergie has been getting it more wrong than right on players. However, they still have Rooney and Ronaldo, 2 players who still have yet to reach anywhere near their peak. In Heinze and Rio, they also have quality. They need to get long term replacements for Keane, Scholes and Giggs. Of course, they had clown as goalkeepers and Van der Sar should be a strengthening move. I still think they are good for third place or higher this season if Arsenal slip-up.
It is Fergie who may be in decline as his old powers of motivation and getting the best out of players may be on the wane.
Arsenal have strength and quality, but the squad is a bit thin. Hleb has been impressive for me while we all know about Fabregas. Flumini, van Pierse and Reyes should grow in strength with experience and Gilberto will have come to the fore in Viera's absence. Only their defence, starting with Lehmann looks suspect. They still can play breath taking football.
As for us, we should improve but I think the leap to the top will be a bit of a tall order and we should be challenging for 3rd with the mancs. Of course, improvements beyond that is welcome for me!