Sport
Could this be the best ever Premier League title race?
A look at what lies beneath at Chelsea offered both concern for Thomas Tuchel, as well as a sense of optimism for the rest of the Premier League title challengers, in what many are predicting could be the best ever Premier League title race.
Prior to the start of the season, much was made about the balance of Chelsea’s squad. Adding both Saul Niguez and Romelu Lukaku to a team who had just won the Champions League seemed like a major statement of intent, particularly given the perceived problems at Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
City, after all, did not sign either a striker or a left-back. Liverpool, meanwhile, were relying on a squad who had begun look to stale last season, albeit those problems were exacerbated by the almost unprecedented injury crisis to have ripped through the team.
As for Manchester United, it was hard to imagine them ever stringing a realistic title challenge together considering the ill-advised signing of Cristiano Ronaldo over, say, a central midfielder. Still, while Chelsea are clear at the top of the Premier League, despite arguably not being the best team this season, they are not comfortable.
Lukaku, despite a strong start, had looked ineffective prior to his injury and Timo Werner, try as he might, is yet to convince. A 7-0 win over Norwich City might have caught the eye but, frankly, their opposition conspired to that defeat as much as the Stamford Bridge giants.
Tuchel called on the likes of Ross Barkley, Saul, Malang Sarr and Hakim Ziyech during a Carabao Cup win over Southampton, none of whom impressed. Indeed, the squad many had down as Premier League title winners before a ball was kicked no longer looks as deep.
City might have exited the cup competition they have previously dominated at the hands of West Ham United but their recent league form has been outstanding, taking points off both Chelsea and Liverpool. That is until, of course, they came unstuck against a dogged Crystal Palace side at the weekend.
Klopp’s side, of course, are yet to lose this season and battered Manchester United in one of the most iconic North West derbies of all time. However, they also showed vulnerability by letting a two goal lead slip againt Brighton.
It’s not that Chelsea are weak necessarily, and clearly their rivals also have flaws, it’s just that they aren’t quite as strong as appeared to be. Given the level of quality in their squad, that could change of course, but their losses to City and Juventus in September would at least suggest there is some work to do before they can be considered the best team in the country. All of this points to a hugely exciting title race, hopefully one of the best the Premier League has seen.
Often, we’ll find ourselves predicting – or baying – for a title race spread across more than two clubs. More occasionally still, that dream will evaporate into dust before the Christmas period.
Of course, that could yet happen again and it will be particularly interesting to see how the African Cup of Nations impacts upon both Liverpool and Chelsea, although the strength of the top teams looks at the highest level in years. Even for United, a change of manager could make them force again, such is the strength of the individual quality in their squad.
At last, perhaps we’ll see the title fight extend into the proverbial business end of the campaign, with more than two teams battling.
Crucially, where this season could differ from the 2018-19 campaign is that the sense of perfection is somewhat eroded. When City plumped Liverpool to the title that year, both teams were nigh-on perfect, though it is the relative weaknesses in each squad (along with Chelsea) that makes this year so fascinating.
In the big games this year, City have performed well against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, but their lack of a striker and tendency to miss chances means they aren’t out and out favourites. Liverpool’s reliance on players approaching 30, as well the departure of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in January does the same of them.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are yet to prove they can match the two over the course of a league campaign. The excitement is building, It is the sense of imperfection that makes this year so thrilling. Will it be the best Premier League season ever? Let’s hope so.
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