It’s halfway through the season and we are still dangling, trying to guess that which horse will win the premier league race this season, specifically, does anybody actually want to win the thing?
Among all the uncertainities one thing has been crystal clear to us, and that is any one of Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester City will win the title. Two very significant parts are striking my eyes here.
While some familiar names are absent from this run-in, though they are having quality as well as quantity in abundance and some outsiders have participated with full enthusiasm, hoping to turn the table.
Despite several ups and downs, City remain bookmaker’s favorites, and no valid reason why they can’t achieve this. After spending awful amount of money in the summer transfer window, winning the title is being ardently expected from Manuel Pellegrini.
Let us take a look that why the Citizens are the ‘perfect’ title contenders?
SCORING GOALS: REALLY THE REAL DEAL?
Manchester City has scored 45 goals this far, a bit more than any other English side, in just 23 league games which gives an average of 1.95 or 2 goals per game. Hopefully, 2 goals a game can lead to an easy win.
Besides, they have conceded just 23 goals in 23 games which gives an average of 1 goal a game. If compared, they are capable of grabbing a win in all the league games. In addition, they are running on a goal difference of 22, evenly matched with Tottenham, but they are ahead in the league table, holding the second position.
DEFENSE: IS THIS AVERAGE RECORD GOOD ENOUGH?
The Citizens have conceded 23 goals this far, the fourth least after Arsenal, Tottenham and United. Yes, there is nothing to boast about this defensive record, but without this they could not have achieved the second position.
Moreover, the co-ordination between the defensive and forward line has been spot-on, which makes City one of the best clubs in the world.
SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW: PAYING OFF?
Manuel Pellegrini spent his transfer budget quite judiciously on talented players, and now it looks as if the decisions were pot-on. Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi were among the summer signings.
Undoubtedly, they took a bit of time to settle down properly but alas, they are going according to the script. The Belgian international has been absolutely stunning since his arrival, making contributions defensively as well as attackingly, having scored 5 goals and creating 67 goal-scoring chances till now.
CONSISTENCY: THE RAREST THING?
Despite their 4-1 loss to Liverpool, you will have to admit that they have been quite consistent, though, not up to the mark. The way they started their season was definitely amazing. Last season’s top scorer, Sergio Aguero is back in form, and back with City, and if he continues to do what he is meant to do, securing the league title will not be a far-fetched target.
EXPERT’S ADVICE
Harry Redknapp believes that there will be a two-horse race between Arsenal and City and City will just edge the contest. Besides, Redknapp think that City has better players to challenge for the title.
Speaking with The Telegraph, Redknapp said: “However, if I had to put my money on it, I’m going to tip Manchester City to just pip them to it. They have the better players and they have players who have won league titles before.
“That can be crucial when the pressure is on. I think that just gives them the edge, but it is going to be extremely close.”
Image credit: getty