Judgment Time!

When Louis van Gaal took charge of Manchester United, he attempted to curb fans’ high expectations for instant success with a warning that his methods usually bear fruit after three months.  After a very underwhelming start to his United career and with pundits holding the timeline against his head, Louis declared regret for making the statement. Whether the retraction buys Louis some respite or not, for all club managers, the one-third point of the season is when many club owners take stock and pass judgment on if adjustments need to be made to strengthen the team’s chances of winning the title, make the Champions League, qualify for Europe, attain mid-table safety or simply avoid relegation.

Despite starting the season in arguably the most vulnerable position, Sam Allardyce has probably done the most to strengthen his position by steering West Ham into European qualifying places by playing an expansive style of football that has even the most critical fans raving. On the other side was Brendan Rogers who arguably started the season in the strongest position as Manager-of-the-year, but with a series of disjointed performances has a questionable future at Liverpool.

If Rogers is seeking encouragement for his predicament, he needs to look no further than Alan Pardew at Newcastle. Despite massive protests with fans begging for his head as Newcastle started the season like a rapidly sinking titanic; five straight wins soon had Newcastle on the brink of Champions League places. Perhaps Alan’s experience is testament to all clubs that in such a tight league, the line between success and failure is so thin, both criticism and praise should be taken with a grain of salt.

Southampton and Chelsea are two teams that have rightly been heaped with praise for the start they have made to the season. Southampton have especially impressed beyond the imagination of even the most optimistic fans as a newly assembled team has so seamlessly adapted to the league, they look a sure bet for European qualification. Chelsea on the other hand have been so breath taking, they have already been labeled “Champions elect.” While Manchester City are now displaying signs of a resolute title defense, Jose Mourinho is portraying the kind of determination that Sir Alex Ferguson had in his last season in charge, when he won the title at a canter for Manchester United.

Manchester United has probably rightly been criticized for a slow start that included a shambolic collapse against Leicester City.  While mitigating factors like forty two injuries have helped keep United fans on Van Gaal’s side, the less highlighted poor performances by major rivals, has seen United creep into the targeted top four places almost unnoticed. Arsene Wenger managing one of the major challengers seems to be steadily losing fans’ support, as they expected last season’s FA Cup success to help Arsenal to kick on and become a major title challenger. As Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool all seem to be finally finding their rhythm after less than impressive starts to the season, it feels like we have a fascinating battle on our hands.

Speaking of hands, unfortunately the fate of many teams will be unjustly determined by referees. The introduction of goal line technology may have helped eliminate the risk of “ghost goals” but diving has already led to the award of unfair penalties and red cards. With the threat of officiating errors likely to determine the fate of certain teams, club owners may have to rely on Napoleon’s wisdom to determine whether to keep their managers “I know he's a good general, but is he lucky?”