Cor blimey, guvnor, it’s looking a little crowded at the top. According to this Guardian article, there hasn’t been so little distance between 1st and 7th at this stage of the season since 1999-2000. A mere six points separates Southampton from a table topping tally. At the moment, we’re right in it.
There is much to moan about when it comes to top flight football across the world, and I’m probably not alone in attributing the death of the stadium atmosphere to the demand, popularity and pricing of the Premier League. Even so, it is exciting to be part of a league where teams like us and Leicester can compete, even if its only for half a season while the big boys sort themselves out.
One of the biggest compliments you can pay Ferguson is that his retirement from Manchester United changed the league as a whole. While last year looked like an eventual return to business as usual, with the big four taking the top four spots, it already appears as if that final Champions League berth is not going to Chelsea.
It’s tight at the top. Could Saints do anything in the transfer window in order to smash and grab a CL place? Should we? I know nobody wants a QPR situation, but equally, when a lot of games are decided on fine margins, and the league lying as it does, we may kick ourselves in future seasons if we don’t take the opportunity in front of us.
Very good article. I am confident we will assess where we stand in mid December and see if there is any sensible priced option out there who could really make a difference. But as we have arguably the biggest and best first team squad we have had a long while, it would have to be a real star to risk upsetting the way we play currently. A lot will depend on the form and fitness of Jay Rod and maybe even the recovery progress of Forster.
Much more likely is that we will dealing with the usual unsettling media tactics of clubs like Utd regarding Mane.
Ron said the other day that we wouldnt be signing anyone in January unless circumstances change. I assume that means serious injuries. It could also mean a player becoming available sooner than expected. We shall see! We have played well in patches and have yet to see the best of Clasie. I am hoping that we can rack it up a notch or two with the squad we currently have.
I don’t think we’ve really got going this season yet. A good run of form from mané, the return of Shlong and a back to fitness Jrod could see us kick on.
Pelle has been excellent this season and an injury to him or Stekelenburg could see us struggle.
Either way, I am happy with the squad. Would rather see us extend contracts for Vic/Koeman/Mané and sign Stek on a 3 or 4 year deal.
Perhaps the likes of Leicester, West Ham and Crystal Palace did start the season with a background worry of relegation but that surely has already receded and they join Everton and Southampton in scrapping for Europa League qualification – with the thought that a Champions League slot, for once, is not totally beyond them.
Written as if we’re shoo-ins to qualify for Europe these days. It’s one thing, as a fan, to optimistically hope for a strong season. Seems we’ve made quite some waves in the past few seasons for neutrals to now just assume it’ll be the case.