Chelsea out to prove they are still the best
Chelsea begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to new boys West Brom.
LONDON:
Chelsea begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to new boys West Brom having spent a “mere” five million pounds in pre-season.
Chelsea, top dogs in the last season, look like an ageing team but modern training methods are fast forcing a re-evaluation of what older players can do. "The players will be better this season because they have one more year’s experience, like me. I’m more experienced, I’m a better manager now,” said Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea ended United’s three-year grip on the Premier League trophy last term and in the process denied Alex Ferguson’s team a record 19th English league title.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s spending is likely to continue with the prospect of the likes of England winger James Milner still coming to Eastlands before the transfer window closes. Whether spending so much money will give City the ‘instant’ success their owners seek remains to be seen in a league where their local rivals Manchester United are still a formidable force.
Not since 1968 have City been crowned champions of England and they start the season away to Tottenham, who pipped them for fourth spot and a lucrative Champions League place last term, with World Cup-winning Spain winger David Silva and Yaya Toure, among the new arrivals.
Liverpool begin the season at home to Arsenal in a pivotal season for both clubs. Last time out, Liverpool dropped from runners-up to seventh amidst uncertainty. Doubts over the future ownership of the club remain but the new manager Roy Hodgson has at least managed to keep the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres on board, while Joe Cole has joined from Chelsea.
Arsenal continued to win plaudits for the quality of their football but there were signs of frustration among some Gunners’ supporters last season with the club not having won a major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup and the Premier League since 2004. Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s long-serving manager, has repeatedly forecast a brilliant future for a largely youthful team. “We finished third last season, so we have two stairs to climb and I’m confident we can do it,” said Wenger.
In other opening round matches, Aston Villa will try to put the resignation of former manager Martin O’Neill behind them when they face West Ham while today also sees Blackburn against Everton, Bolton playing Fulham, newboys Blackpool up against Wigan and Wolves playing Stoke.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2010.
Chelsea begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to new boys West Brom having spent a “mere” five million pounds in pre-season.
Chelsea, top dogs in the last season, look like an ageing team but modern training methods are fast forcing a re-evaluation of what older players can do. "The players will be better this season because they have one more year’s experience, like me. I’m more experienced, I’m a better manager now,” said Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea ended United’s three-year grip on the Premier League trophy last term and in the process denied Alex Ferguson’s team a record 19th English league title.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s spending is likely to continue with the prospect of the likes of England winger James Milner still coming to Eastlands before the transfer window closes. Whether spending so much money will give City the ‘instant’ success their owners seek remains to be seen in a league where their local rivals Manchester United are still a formidable force.
Not since 1968 have City been crowned champions of England and they start the season away to Tottenham, who pipped them for fourth spot and a lucrative Champions League place last term, with World Cup-winning Spain winger David Silva and Yaya Toure, among the new arrivals.
Liverpool begin the season at home to Arsenal in a pivotal season for both clubs. Last time out, Liverpool dropped from runners-up to seventh amidst uncertainty. Doubts over the future ownership of the club remain but the new manager Roy Hodgson has at least managed to keep the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres on board, while Joe Cole has joined from Chelsea.
Arsenal continued to win plaudits for the quality of their football but there were signs of frustration among some Gunners’ supporters last season with the club not having won a major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup and the Premier League since 2004. Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s long-serving manager, has repeatedly forecast a brilliant future for a largely youthful team. “We finished third last season, so we have two stairs to climb and I’m confident we can do it,” said Wenger.
In other opening round matches, Aston Villa will try to put the resignation of former manager Martin O’Neill behind them when they face West Ham while today also sees Blackburn against Everton, Bolton playing Fulham, newboys Blackpool up against Wigan and Wolves playing Stoke.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2010.