SCRAMBLE FOR SLOTS
The fight for European Champions League places just got more messy as champions Man City are dragged in to join Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool and Spurs.
Although it’s the international weekend, clubs haven’t gone to bed as there is a fierce battle brewing on in England.
While Premiership table leaders Chelsea are certain of a place in next season’s Champions League, Jose Mourinho and his men are no longer as comfortable as they were a month ago in the Premier League title race. Man City and Arsenal, improving after every game, can’t be ruled out of the race even though there are only about eight games to play. A more intriguing battle, however, is in the form of Champions League qualification. Arsenal, City, Man United, Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs, all look good for a top-four finish.
Southampton regrouped from the loss of their head coach and several star players last summer to a position of increased strength.
Ronald Koeman is their trump card in the dugout. He is tactically excellent and speaks with confidence. For Man United, patchy would be a nice way to describe Van Gaal’s side so far. Rarely have displays ventured into the ‘complete’ category, largely United have stuttered their way through. Their recent late surge could be all it takes, though.
At Emirates, Arsene Wenger’s job has been questioned again, albeit with the volume turned up and banners held aloft at matches, but his side still remain in the hunt for the top-four spot that will keep the till ticking over. Dazzling in attack at times, utterly inept in defence at others. The usual fare, really. If Alexis Sanchez keeps banging them in, then Arsenal will make the cut.
For Spurs, they have exhibited a stronger mentality than in recent years. Harry Kane’s rise to prominence has been heart-warming and essential in equal measure, culminating in that 5-3 victory over Chelsea that is Mauricio Pochettino’s high point in charge.
At Anfield, a fall more pronounced than many predicted, even in the awareness that Luis Suarez is one of the best players to pull on the red shirt in the club’s history. A recent infusion of solidity has cobbled results together until last weekend’s 2-1 loss to a Juan Mata-inspired Man Utd. They should make the top four because manager Brendan Rodgers managed it last season.
