Four Balls Blog Team of the Year 2015/2016

 

If I Were Always Right... - Premier League Table After Round 3

Premier League - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Arsenal

With Alexis Sanchez absent from the starting line-up for the season opener against West Ham, Arsenal seemed to struggle to find their feet despite a promising pre-season. Fans would have been filled with hope after their Community Shield victory against Chelsea, but may have been left unsure after the opening game as the Gunners disappointed in a 2-0 opening day loss. Olivier Giroud struggled throughout the game and Wenger could well go back into the transfer market to look for a new striker to lead the attack. Talk of Karim Benzema arriving has simmered down to mere whispers which may upset the Arsenal faithful. Petr Cech’s competitive debut was less than convincing, however I’m sure it was simply a blip in form and he will prove his worth in the upcoming fixtures. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was possibly the Gunners’ only bright spark during the game, however Sanchez’s return following his rest after the Copa America saw him return to the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.

Manchester City - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

As Raheem Sterling made his debut following a £49million move to Manchester City, the Sky Blues romped home to a 3-0 win against West Brom at the Hawthorns. Yaya Toure inspired the City side throughout, grabbing the second goal of the game, sandwiched between talisman David Silva’s opener and Captain Vincent Kompany’s second half header. Manuel Pellegrini’s men impressed throughout the game and looked at ease as they tore apart the Baggies. After a particularly effective first half, man of the match Toure may have worried some City fans as he left the field of play with a groin injury in the second half. Star striker Sergio Aguero made an appearance from the bench late on but had little impact following his return from the Copa America.

2015/2016 Preview - Manchester City

Pellegrini could well be looking at his last season in charge of Manchester City, especially as they seem to have lined up Guardiola for the role. However, there is still the present to look forward to, and with the quality of players such as Aguero, Silva, Toure and Kompany, Manchester City will always be up towards the top of the table. Something seemed to be missing last year though, and I doubt very much that Fabian Delph will fix those problems, but Raheem Sterling, despite all the controversy, could add a little something to this City side, and help inspire them, something that Pellegrini failed to do last season. I think once again City will be in for a disappointing season given the calibre of their players, and will finish 3rd this season.