Well, if last season’s Barclay’s Premier League is a benchmark for expectations this season, we all know how tough it is going to be for the clubs to finish inside the top four. Chelsea and Manchester City look really set to battle it out for the title whereas clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton at least want to book a top four berth if not challenge for the title as outside contenders. With the recently concluded transfer window, and the international break ending soon, Premier League teams are facing each other with their full squads.
A lot depends on the marquee signings the clubs have made in a bid to fight in the toughest league in the world, and here we are, considering two of the best clubs in England- Arsenal and Liverpool. How does their star quotient pan out in comparison to each other and considering their own ambitions in the league? Below is the analysis of one forward, one midfielder and one defender who would be crucial for each team this season.
Arsenal Star Power: The Explosive Gunners
Alexis Sanchez:
Arsenal’s marquee signing of the summer is the Chilean from Barcelona, Alexis Sanchez, who was brought in for about £35m. He is a complete attacking package, who is best employed as a supporting striker either through the centre or the wings. Sanchez has also played as a lone striker in times of need. A definite world class product, Alexis has all the elements to be a hit in the Premier League. He has pace, adaptability, energy and work-rate to match his technical skills of dribbling and finishing. He is expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s 4-3-3, supporting Frenchman Giroud or latest recruit Danny Welbeck.
Aaron Ramsey:
Here comes the proven star of the team, Welshman Aaron Ramsey with his athleticism and goals. He had an excellent season last time as he earned himself the Arsenal’s Player of the Year award after a couple of average seasons. He showed amazing consistency in his performances last season, despite having injury absences, which showed that Ramsey had really developed. He has already notched up 2 goals in 3 matches, and looks set to provide energy and goals from the midfield with his penetrating runs and some good finishing. He is likely to play ahead of a holding midfielder either Flamini or Arteta, and support Ozil.
Laurent Koscielny:
Mainstay of Arsenal’s defence is Frenchman Laurent Koscielny. He is known for his aggression and front foot defending. Koscielny is the one who adds balance to the centre back partnership with Per Mertesacker. He has pace and power for a center back to press in deeper positions. Koscielny is also a very obvious aerial threat because of his ability to free himself ably and jump really high. A defender relying on his mobility, Koscielny likes breaking up play by intercepting and tackling, effectively breathing down the forwards’ necks, while Mertesacker provides him with the needed back-up.
Liverpool Star Power: The Reds Army
Sturridge:
Daniel Sturridge was the Premier League’s second top scorer last season after his ex-teammate Luis Suarez. If last season’s early games are to be seen, we do know that Sturridge can well score goals himself without the assistance of Suarez. Recruited from Chelsea a year and a half ago, Sturridge has really shown his previous owners Chelsea and Man City of what he’s capable of when he’s given the chance. He’s often criticized for his selfish play, because it does become frustrating at times. But, a striker like Sturridge is really hungry for goals and a key player for the Reds this season.
Raheem Sterling:
Usually it is always Steven Gerrard who can be aptly termed as the main midfielder for the Reds. But well, this season all hopes are actually on a much younger and really fast Raheem Sterling! Well, we all need an exclamation mark to describe him, as liveliness and delight is all the words you need to use for the young English attacking midfielder. He wowed the world with his displays in the World Cup in a poor English campaign, and would now want to drive Liverpool’s midfield. Gerrard would love to mentor this young and super talented attacker into one of the best in the league, as he shows the ability to play in any attacking position behind the striker. Sterling can really have a season to remember if he delivers on so much promise that he’s showing as Liverpool’s most in-form midfielder.
Dejan Lovren:
Lovren is a good complete defender and seemingly the first choice centre back, who is likely to be partnered with either Skrtel or Sakho. Lovren isn’t just a no-nonsense defender, he is also very confident in his ability with ball as well. Liverpool needed quality in the back four, especially in the central defence, as last season saw them conceding 50 goals or so.
The Croatian International, who had a great season at Southampton was roped in for a huge sum, yet something the Reds won’t mind shelling out for a talented player. The defender had a tough childhood and has learnt to live life the hard way and survival is something he knows at the back of his palm. We are bound to get aggression and toughness at the back as well as the ability to start attacks from the deep positions, unlike Sakho who’d simply clear the ball!
The Verdict: Down to the wire
Can we say which team will be third or fourth? No. But they are definitely the ones who are leading the race for the top four ahead of Spurs and Everton. Then there are competitors Manchester United, who are coming with bucket loads of attackers, without much balance in the team. It looks like there is going to be strong competition between the Gunners and the Reds this term as they looked settled.
Liverpool are more settled than the Gunners who have finally got a centre forward in Danny Welbeck, but lack depth in defensive positions. It remains to be seen how well the teams cope with UCL and Premier League pressure, but if the author has to go with one choice, it would be Liverpool third and Arsenal fourth, if only the current form is considered, which can easily be the other way round with the Gunners third and Reds fourth.