After an agonizingly long summer punctuated by the Confederations Cup and by assorted other competitions (the CONCACAF Copa De Oro, for instance,) the English Premier League has finally begun again. Like many in England and across the globe, my life again has meaning.
Although I am writing this a few weeks into the season, I feel like I might as well share my thoughts on the games that have already been played and on some of the teams performances.
Though it pains me to say it, the teams to watch this year are Tottenham and Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has a long history of great management, and in his short tenure at Tottenham he has already created a very competitive team. Players like Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keene, to name only two, are impressive on the pitch to say the least. Redknapp is generally not interested in self promotion and bragging, and has been careful in declaring his team the greatest anyone has seen in a while, but a number of people have said his team could break into the top four, or at the very least go on to play in Europe. Arsene Wenger must be feeling very happy at the moment as well, as his Arsenal side are looking better than they have in recent memory. Their victory over last years FA cup runners up Everton shocked me, at least, and their performance over soon to be relegated Portsmouth was no less impressive.
Man U began their season with a stunning defeat by recently promoted Burnley. Frankly, Man U looked confused and little silly during the match. They appear to be back on track as a very competitive team again, but their initial loss made them look beatable, which is always comforting. Liverpool has already lost twice, and if they hope to be contenders for the Premier Leagues top spot, as everyone seems to have thought they might, they had better get their act together.
The poor, poor Wolves. Wolverhamptons promotion made me happy, but one has to wonder if they will last more than this season. Such is the case with promotion teams (West Bromwich who?) although Hull has managed to hang on for another shot in the Premiership. Bolton, Blackburn and Birmingham also look to be the teams that struggle at the bottom. Conversely, Chelsea look great, which, despite irritating me greatly, could mean a chance to take the league.
And what of my West Ham? The Irons looked like they might have a good this year, or at least it appeared that way at the end of last year. Gianfranco Zola now has a little bit more experience under his belt as manager, and the younger up-and-coming players look a little sharper than before. However, it wouldn't be my Hammers without the drama and heartbreak, which I will discuss in a future post. In short, this year might be painful, but I predict a mid table finish, as always.
I'm glad that I again have an outlet for my misplaced rage, and I'm glad I have my friends with whom to enjoy these matches. Even though I am robbed of my weekend by this madness, there is next to nothing that makes me as excited as Premier League. Baseball, college football, competitive bowling - these things are trivial compared with the Premiership. The drama, the disappointment, the joy - this is what we live for!
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