A quick return of the eyes of the world to the
country that hosted us to a very memorable Olympics in which several records
were broken, could provide a case for the argument that we just can’t have
enough of the English!
As we start a new season of a game whose origin only
few can argue about, several club managers have called for players and fans to
continue the Olympics spirit. That one such manager boomeranged on his plea
only a few minutes into the new season with a shove in a linesman’s back is yet
further evidence of how passionate this league can be.
The movement of players this close season despite
UEFA’s calls for financial fair play is proof of how blinding this passion can
be. With excitement rejuvenated by winning the Champion’s League, Chelsea’s
Abramovich has made the biggest splash in the transfer market with over €80 million spent on new signings. Not to be left behind, Arsenal
and Man United have responded in unusual style. Arsenal reaffirmed its
deviation from signing raw unproven talent by signing three experienced stars at
€48 million to supplement the nine signings from last season. Man United decided
to supplement the €23 million spent on its typical less than 23 year old signings
with a 29 year old injury
prone striker at €30 million.
While last season’s title was determined by the
finest of margins, the early rounds of games will have drawn concerns about the
officiating margins that could determine this season’s relegation candidates.
The new boys in the league are determined to boldly approach all games, but
they have been quickly reminded that when in doubt, the officials always side
with the establishment. Southampton and Reading will point at Tevez and Torres
as beneficiaries of less bold officiating or rather the fine margins of the
off-side rule.
If the English game’s cliché that luck evens itself
out over the course of the season holds up, based on early evidence, this
season’s new boys will serve as a breath of fresh air and every game will keep
us at the edge of our seats. Everton’s win over United served notice that this
could be a season of shocks a plenty and that each of the 90 championship
winning points will have to be earned.
Given that the league has attracted quality new
signings from overseas while retaining its cream, this season should serve us
even more quality. Will Man City’s title winning experience trump Man United’s
firepower or will London’s new signings mark a shift of power back to the
capital? Have your say on who will win the league, qualify for Champions
League, Europa League and the relegation candidates.
