For football fans everywhere, a year ending with an odd number points towards a barren desolate summer. A wasteland where cricket, shopping and Big Brother all fail to fill the gaping spherical void left behind. So when the 2009-10 Premier League season finally kicked off last weekend, it was amidst a predictable wave of fevered anticipation.
Inevitably, the over-hyped opening round of fixtures failed to live up to their lofty billing. Not due to a lack of entertainment, goals or controversy, but simply because the league season is a marathon and not a sprint. Other than Rafa Benitez complaining about referees, it’s difficult to take much from the weekend as a sign of things to come.
All of which leaves room for optimism at Anfield, and scope for realism at Arsenal.
There isn’t a more breathtaking sight in English football than Arsenal in full fluid motion. Their demolition of Everton was an impressive statement of intent and in the mercurial Cesc Fàbregas they possess one of the finest midfielders in the world. But he must have wondered where the entire Everton team had gone before he fired in Arsenal’s fifth goal.
Even the diehard purist couldn’t deny how much Everton’s woeful showing contributed to the result on Saturday. Joleon Lescott related or not, this performance was completely out of character for a David Moyes team. One suspects it will be a long time before another opponent is granted the freedom of Goodison again.
But sometimes a hefty defeat is the perfect way to begin the season. In 2004, Arsenal beat Everton 4-1 on the opening day and following that defeat Moyes’ men won seven of their next nine matches, subsequently securing their best ever Premier League finish. Arsenal, on the other hand failed to continue their momentum, falling 12 points short of Chelsea in their quest to retain the title.
This year the title race will be much closer, but Arsenal will once again lack the strength and depth to maintain a challenge. Their toughest test will be holding on to the fourth Champions League berth given the emergence of Man City and their North London neighbours.
And what of the other title hopefuls? On Sunday Liverpool were very poor, but they were beaten by a developing Tottenham side who continue to improve under Harry Redknapp. In spite of the disappointment and histrionics of their coach, there are reasons to be cheerful for Liverpool after this false start.
With the double departure of Ronaldo and Tévez, there is now little to choose between the respective squads of Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United. Although Liverpool suffered defeat at the weekend, Chelsea and Man United were hardly imperious in their home victories.
Individual brilliance exists in abundance across all three squads, but amongst them there is no single player who will provide the title-winning difference of a Ronaldo or previously, a Cantona. Instead, the key to this year’s title race is dependent wholly on the sum of the parts. It may sound obvious but the best team will win.
The smart money should be on Liverpool. Aside from the departure of Alonso, they have experienced the least upheaval. Whilst Chelsea adapt to another new manager and Man United experiment with Rooney, Liverpool maintain continuity in coach, system and squad.
Only time will tell, but this season represents Liverpool’s best chance of winning their first title in 20 years - regardless of what happened on the opening day.
