The world’s greatest sports league, the English Premier League, began its latest campaign over the weekend as Arsenal slammed Everton 6-1, Tottenham topped Liverpool 2-1, and while Chelsea took care of Hull City 2-1 reigning champion Manchester United got into the winning column with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City in the major games.
Some of the key changes that will impact storylines in a long soccer season that runs from August to May include:
Players:
While the EPL lost two of their star players with Real Madrid signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record $132 million and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso near $50m, United replaced Ronaldo with Luis Antonio Valencia from Wigan while Michael Owen was a surprise arrival at the club on a free transfer after he left Newcastle.
Arsene Wenger improved Arsenal’s defensive options with the signing of Thomas Vermaelen for $17m from Ajax and Chelsea signed Yuri Zhirkov for a reported fee of $30m from CSKA Moscow.
Last year’s surprise runners-up, Liverpool, brought in full-back Glenn Johnson from Portsmouth for $31m, but their success really hinges on the injury-free performances of the Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres combo. The pair only started 12 times together in the league last season.
Unquestionably the big spender was Manchester City , shelling out total of $68m on Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure as well as $20m on Aston Vila’s Gareth Barry.
Manchester City also grabbed Carlos Tevez from local arch-rivals Manchester United and Roque Santa Cruz enhancing the attacking options coming from Blackburn.
Michael Owen
Speaking of Man U, they will no doubt have a hole to fill especially with Ronaldo gone, pressure will be on all season for Dimitar Berbatov to perform to expectations after a weak start at the club.
But Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson, despite some questioning the move, may have stolen a proven striker. Both a shot at an open World Cup squad on England’s team as well as a chance to prove critics of his demise a bit premature from a disappointing year at Newcastle, might be the motivational tools Owen needs at this stage.
Coaching:
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti the new face at Chelsea replaces interim boss Guus Hiddink who returned to his role with Russia.
Steve Bruce left Wigan to take over at Sunderland and has been replaced by Spaniard Roberto Martinez who has impressed during his time with Swansea City.
Outlook:
The “Big Four” consisting of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have finished ahead of the rest for the last half-dozen years and there is no compelling evidence that it will be any different this season, but if money talks then Manchester City will certainly have a lot to say.
Bunch a wankers, give me NFL-THAT is the best league in the world
At its highest level, and the EPL qualifies, soccer is brilliant
Yes old Fergie at Man U is a crafty strategist- Owen just might be a steal.
Obviously I am biased but on the other hand, Manchester City pulled a NY Yankees with all their spending.
Sure the EPL is laoded with talent, including great Latins, but give me the more vibrant style of futbol that is played in South America
Soccer seems confusing over there in terms of FA Cup, etc who wins what?
EPL is old school soccer, brilliant in its own right.
What can I say? If you dont watch the EPL regularly you’re not enjoying the finest the sport has to offer.
Must say I miss the days of attending matches at Old Trafford, but being here in America I can still find EPL on the telly.
Soccer is a beautiful game and the EPL is the best place to see it on a regular basis
Spain,Italy and Germany do host very talented leagues, but if I had to choose one it would be England’s.