Soccer Premier League

Premier League Mid-Season Review: Title Race

Getty Images

Getty Images

Chelsea were crowned champions by many in August. Diego Costa & Co. plowed through their opposition with ease. They didn’t just beat teams, they were battering them.

One thing that has made Chelsea so formidable this season is their professionalism. The Blues can grind out wins even if they’re not in a goal-thirsty mood. They can adapt to their opponents, sit back and attack however they like. Champions win titles by winning games and stealing all three points, not by smashing a team one week and then losing the week after.

That’s where Manchester City come in. They got off to an uncertain start. Manuel Pellegrini‘s side stormed past Newcastle United and Liverpool, but fell to a 1-0 defeat against Stoke City and have just thrown a 2-0 lead away to draw 2-2 with lowly Burnley at the Etihad Stadium. Results like that halt a team’s momentum and a title race is all about keeping the pace over an entire season.

Bearing all of this in mind, you’d think Chelsea would be running away with the league trophy already. Wrong. Chelsea find themselves one win ahead of City as the season reaches its midway point.

Jose Mourinho‘s side uncharacteristically fired blanks in a goalless draw with resilient Sunderland, while Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-1 a week later. The North East has dented their one-horse race.

Sergio Aguero sparked City’s season into life and has tormented every defense in his path. His injury caused concern, but City have even been rampant without him.

Meanwhile at Chelsea, Costa continues to add to his tally using his goal-predator instincts. He was halted briefly, but it looks like once Aguero is fit, the battle of two strikers could prove to be the title decider.

But are there any other worthy contenders for the crown? Southampton and West Ham United are two excellent sides this season. They’ve both hit top form and look a cut above the vast majority of teams in the league.

However, we’ve seen this before. Football fans across the league would love to see an underdog upset the elite, but I just can’t see it happening. They’re already well behind in terms of points, and with their best form behind them, it’ll be a battle to finish in a European spot, a finish that both sets of fans would love.

Arsenal have failed again to find a dominant defender and hard-man midfielder. With Alexis Sanchez up top, they’ll go through some spells of top form, but ultimately, it’s another season destined to end in fourth spot.

Well, I think that’s about it. Oh, hang on. Just a little team called Manchester United.

From out of nowhere, United have prowled their way back into the fold. Only a fool would say they’re completely fixed, but the fact remains, they’re the third-best team in the league halfway through.

There’s a gap in the points, but each week it seems to close up. The crisis is over, the strikers are scoring goals and the patchy defense looks increasingly more assured. Louis van Gaal‘s side are definitely dark horses, but if they get their January dealings right, they could blow the title race wide open. Buckle up. Things are about the get interesting.

Prediction: United could have some title-winning form, but they started their campaign too late. Chelsea are favorites at the minute, but despite a nervy start, I think Aguero will fire City towards another title.

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