Arsenal Continues Revival Against Uncertain Fulham

The opening defeat at home stirred up some discontent in the campaign, but Arsenal has reacted superbly with two consecutive victories. On a rainy afternoon at Craven Cottage, Arsenal was not quite at their best. With a bit of luck and two well-worked goals, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski led the Gunners to a convincing 3-1 win.

Scorers of Arsenal goals celebrate

Darren Bent got his first ever goal for Fulham, but Martin Jol would have a lot to worry about his defence. Speedy attack could easily expose Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes and this was what Theo Walcott had consistently threatened Fulham. The absence of Maarten Stekelenburg has also weakened the reliability at the back. Jol would take some positives from debutant Scott Parker. However, the 32 years old midfielder is not the ultimate solution for Fulham.

Still need some new blood?

3-0 at Turkey followed by 3-1 at Fulham seems to suggest Arsenal has the quality to challenge for titles. Still, they look quite short of options in a number of positions. Even when Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny can come back from injury, they still only have three non-world class centrebacks, which explains why Bacary Sagna was the emergent centreback on Saturday. Wenger also has no better options in holding midfielders than Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky, at least not until Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere are fit.

Wenger has been in the market for a world-class striker and although victories have given the Frenchman some breathing room, supporters are still desperate for some new additions before the closure of transfer market, particularly now that everyone knows they have 70 M in their bank account.

Working out the best mix

Following the capture of Scott Parker, Martin Jol has a number of choices in midfield. The two former Chelsea players, Steve Sidwell and Scott Parker, would form a solid partnership in central midfield. Giorgos Karagounis could provide invaluable experience and quality dead-ball deliveries off the bench.

Nevertheless, playing Adel Taarabt alongside Dimitar Berbatov does not seem to be a wise decision. Taarabt is always keen to be the playmaker, but Berbatov is less enthusiastic without ball at feet. The Bulgarian had been very quiet throughout the match, but looked more comfortable with Darren Bent coming in for Taarabt. The presence of Bent allowed Berbatov to drop deeper and enjoyed more possession.

One of Martin Jol's biggest tasks is to blend the talent of Taarabt into his team

The composure, the flair and the goal-scoring touch from the three former Spurs players could be a wonderful recipe for success if Martin Jol could get it right. It is always a luxury to have a variety of talents in your squad, only if one could get the most out of it at the right time.

Man of the match --- Santi Cazorla

Lukas Podolski's brace would have easily got him the award, but Santi Cazorla also proved to be a vital part to the Gunners' attack. Having only played half of the match against Aston Villa, the Spanish was fully fit and demonstrated excellent passing vision and technique, giving Arsenal the much needed fluency and creativity in attack. He was everywhere on the field and even contributed on the defensive end, an area he is definitely not very comfortable with, but compatible. He finally concluded his all-rounded performance with an assist to Podolski's second goal. 

Heroic Debutant Mignolet Preserved Victory for the Reds

Mignolet (middle) the saviour

This is a much better season-opener for Brendan Rodgers. Daniel Agger was again the man of mistake this time. Thanks to newcomer Simon Mignolet, who not only rescued the centreback by saving Jonathan Walters' penalty, but also ensured his shaky performance before the interval is well forgotten. 

Daniel Sturridge, Iago Aspas and Philippe Coutinho displayed some promising attack. Only Sturridge managed to beat the terrific Asmir Begovic, although better finishing would have sealed off the match.  Mark Hughes still has quite a lot to do. Stella defence alone would not bring them too far. More urgently, they might need a new penalty taker.

Up for the challenge

Liverpool started pressurising Stoke's defence from the first minute and never slacked off, making it difficult for Stoke to play the ball out of defence and leaving Peter Crouch isolated. Rodgers has surely worked the team well in pre-season, showing excellent physical fitness and stamina to execute his football philosophy.

1-0 would not be the scoreline Rodgers is content with. More importantly, Liverpool looks more than ready to challenge the top four spot. Already looking in a good shape, the return of Luis Suarez could bring the much-needed finishing ability they are desperate for.

Philippe Coutinho

Having joined mid-way through last season, Coutinho took no time in adapting to English football and has already established himself as the main source of attack at Anfield. With Steven Gerrard aging and dropping further deeper, Coutinho was everywhere on the field, not limiting himself on the left and orchestrated Liverpool's attack. Better composure from Jordan Henderson and Iago Aspas would have already credited the no. 10 a couple of assists. Eager for the ball, never shy from dribbling, creative in passing, the Brazilian will be the star of Liverpool this season.

Just too predictable

You would not blame Mark Hughes to opt for a more defensive lineup. In fact, it was the solid defence that kept the Potters within the margin of one goal. However, when trailing, Hughes had little options on the bench to surprise his opponents.

A speedy striker would be the ideal company to Peter Crouch. Instead, they only have Cameron Jerome and Kenwyne Jones. Charlie Adam was the only alternative in midfield but is stronger in dead ball delivery than creating chances in live situations. Stoke did not look more threatening after making substitutions and had to rely on the reckless Agger to grant them an opportunity for equaliser. Mark Hughes will have to speed up his pursuit for Mama Biram Diouf or Jermain Defoe.

Man of the match --- Asmir Begovic

Seldom is this awarded to the player on the losing side, but it is hard to argue Begovic was the star of the afternoon. Mignolet left it late to earn his moment in the debut. Begovic, on the other hand, showed why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Not only did he make himself big in front of strikers, top corners or close range shots were all under Begovic's control. Doing his best to keep Stoke City in the game, Walters could not reward Begovic with a well-deserved draw.

United had no troubles bringing Moyes the first silverware

To describe Manchester United's preseason as dismay is no exaggeration. Defeats both on and off the pitch are no ideal start to the post-Sir Alex era. On Friday night, they spoiled Rio's party, but more worrying looked far from ready for the season, when their opponents only arrived that morning, having also played a competitive match the day before.

Moyes had not quite got used to doing this

Robin Van Persie's double is the perfect pain-relief for David Moyes, not only did it end the poor pre-season run, but also brought Moyes his first managerial silverware. Apart from the goals, United was not dominating as they would want to be against a not-so-threatening Wigan side. Though without Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Nani and Ashley Young, you still expect a bit more from the starting XI at Wembley. 

The incapability in passing

Sometimes, it is as simple as getting the basics right. One key reason that let United down at Wembley is their passing. Predominantly having the ball, their passes in general just lacked the power to facilitate smooth transition.

Tom Cleverley, in particular, just could not get the touch right and often found players on the receiving end struggled to take a neat control of his passes.  United never quite got the flow of attack they envisioned and once again reminded the fans their failure to capture a midfield playmaker this summer.

Was Wigan prepared to compete?

Holt (left) had little support in the game

Started their Championship season in a convincing manner, Wigan should be relishing the opportunity to once again compete in Wembley Stadium. As expected they went for a more defensive settings at the kick-off whistle, but looked incapable to respond to Van Persie's early goal. Putting into context, official record shows Wigan had merely one goal attempt, late in the second half by substitute Roger Espinoza.

Apart from the clashes between Grant Holt and Nemanja Vidic, the Latics gave minimal disturbance to United back four. Having already fielded quite a strong side, they just did not look motivated or confident to give it a fight for the trophy. There is a week to go before their next league fixture. What were Owen Coyle and the players worrying about?

Does the Red Devil need Leighton Baines?

Tempted by the return to Monaco, United looks set to replace Patrice Evra with Moyes' favourite Leighton Baines. Everton stands firm not to sell the left back, but United witnessed another solid performance from Evra. Well-rested after the summer, the 32 years old was energetic and productive down the left.

The question is, how likely can Evra maintain this form for 50 games a season? United were desperate for a reliable understudy but may still yet to establish the confidence on Alex Buttner. Baines should be United's long term solution to the left back, but the English defender will not arrive at Old Trafford to be a bench-warmer. Moyes has three weeks left to sort out this dilemma.

Man of the match

It could be an easy pick by looking at the scoresheet. Those who watched the match might disagree. Van Persie was clinical in the two chances he got. In truth, Manchester United did not create much for the last season Premier League top goalscorer. Zaha started off brightly but looked less threatening as time went by. Welbeck and Cleverley did not quite impress the crowd on a season they should have targeted to shine.

Robin Van Persie's well-placed header gave United the lead

With no significant tests to the defenders, Michael Carrick had no real troubles in dominating the tempo. But United should be more than capable to get more than merely just two this afternoon. Overall, it is not a satisfying performance, either as a team or on an individual basis. 

20 Pre-season Questions for the Premier League Teams Part III

Southampton

Can the Saints avoid the Sophomore blue?

By looking at the record, one could reach a peculiar conclusion that surviving in the second season after promotion is harder than retaining the Premier League title. Reading and Birmingham sprang a surprise in 2006 and 2009 respectively, but could not stay in the top tier in the following season. The ambitious QPR armed the team with luxurious assets in past two years, though still could not escape from relegation last season.

Mauricio Pochettino took over Southampton mid-season and shocked the world with a high-pressing playing style, which even Champions Manchester United almost failed to cope with at Old Trafford. With their tactics now being well-studied, Pochettino will need to pull something out of his bag to lead Southampton overcome the tougher second year in Premier League.

Lambert is confident of his approach at Villa

Aston Villa

Is the toughest time of revolution over yet?

They were torn apart by Chelsea and endured a difficult Christmas period, but this did not prevent Paul Lambert from continuing to field young players. With the growing confidence of the youngsters, Lambert's persistence was rewarded as Aston Villa has successfully avoided relegation.

This offseason, Lambert continues to inject youth elements into the team, as none of the five notable purchases are over 23 years old. Captain Ron Vlaar is a decent leader, though declaring his intention to leave Villa last season if relegated would not earn him much respect.  Besides, Ciaran Clark, Matt Lowton, Nathan Baker and Andres Weimann all had a breakthrough season, but could they cope with complacency?

The revolution at Villa Park has started brightly, but there is more work yet to be done to solidify their steps in this long-term rebuild project.

Newcastle

Can they prevent having a roller-coaster season again?

When Demba Ba left for Chelsea, Papiss Cisse and Shola Ameobi did little to ease the transition and Newcastle was left flirting with the relegation zone. Loic Remy is joining to strengthen the frontline but adding forwards is not the only thing Alan Pardew and Joe Kinnear should be doing. They also have to reinforce their defence, as well as holding on to Yohan Cabaye, who could leave for Old Trafford as they have been failing to pursuit Cesc Fabregas.

Good news is that captain Fabricio Coloccini is staying and Hatem Ben Arfa has recovered from injury. They have a team good enough to push for a Europa spot, but if they cannot settle the internal turbulence, do not be surprised to see them finish at the bottom half of the table once again.

He needs to get his players at his back

Sunderland

Will Paolo Di Canio be a positive influence going to be a positive/negative influence?

Emotional as a player, now animated and energetic as a manager; and ruthless. His training regime and man management style is hardly a surprise given his passion for the sport over the years. Yet it is exactly this fine line between his passion and ruthlessness that will determine the fate of Sunderland.

Having defeated soundly Newcastle last season at St James Park, the red and white stripes have a good momentum pushing them to be the better team of Tyne and Wear. Di Canio has wasted no time turning Sunderland into the team in his mind and he is showing no desire to stop adding a 10^th, 11^th or even 12^th signing of the summer window. How strong mentally the new signings are to bear Di Canio’s approach to the game is highly vital in determining the fortune of Sunderland. If John O’Shea and Wes Brown – who both worked under perhaps one of the harshest managers in the game ever, Sir Alex – could help diffuse the Italian's intention across, the former Swindon manager could well be a positive influence to the Black Cats.

Cardiff City

Have they got the defence of Premier League standard?

Looking at the frontline consisting of Craig Bellamy, Fraizer Campbell, Tommy Smith and talented Korean Kim Bo-Kyung, Cardiff City appears to be competent in the Premier League. However, it is dubious whether their lineup at the back is strong enough to sustain their defensive performance last season.

Unlike Hull City, they do not have defenders with much Premier League experience before acquiring young Steven Caulker from Tottenham, who was not a natural first choice at White Hart Lane last season either. After all, defence is about working as a unit and complementing each other. With their back four working together since 2011, their team spirit may help them overcome the tough hurdles ahead.

Hull City

Do they have enough quality to survive from relegation?

Solidifying the defence usually tops the priority list of promoted teams. Hull City is following this direction as they bought Steve Harper, Curtis Davies and Maynor Figueroa this summer. Together with Paul McShane, Liam Rosenior and Abdoulaye Faye, there vast Premier League experience in their defence.

The worries, though, will be on the other end of the pitch. They put their hopes on Danny Graham, but the midfield led by Robert Koren can hardly be rated as creative, although David Meyler and former Red Devil Robbie Brady could be the X-factors to Hull's attack. With a goal difference of only +9 in Championship last season, the Tigers will take Southampton and West Ham as encouraging examples and strive to stay in Premier League by believing in their own style of football. And hope Steve Bruce – the master of promotions – could learn a thing or two from his previous unsuccessful Premier League management.

Making fun of themselves last time around, can they have the last laugh this time?

Crystal Palace

Where do they go now without Zaha?

Wilfried Zaha only on average scored once in ten games for Crystal Palace, but undoubtedly he has been instrumental to their attack. It is impossible to keep a big fish in a small pond. Ian Holloway did not sanction his move to Manchester United, but got him back on loan for the remainder of the season. Zaha was again pivotal in the Championship playoff final, winning the penalty that Kevin Phillips converted to bring them back in the Premier League.

If Glenn Murray can maintain the form of previous season, Holloway would have less to worry. Having re-signed Kevin Phillips, signing Dwight Gayle from Peterborough and picking up former West Brom winger Jerome Thomas do not seem adequate to fill the void left by Zaha. As it stands, it is highly probable to be a year the Eagles find themselves struggling. 

20 Pre-season Questions for the Premier League Teams Part II

What is Anelka looking for at WBA?

WBA

What is WBA's long term ambition?

In his rookie manager season, Steve Clarke led West Bromwich Albion to a promising start but gradually fell off the pace. They were finally 8th in the league, although being 23 points away from 5th place and 14 behind the 6th. If they are to consider stepping up to challenge for European football, are they quite there yet?

Nicholas Anelka is slotted in to replace Romelu Lukaku. No matter how prolific his career has been, West Brom needs more contribution from the supporting cast to support the 34 years old striker. Acquiring Uruguay captain Diego Lugano is the right move to fill the void in the defence, but this is where their offseason actions stop. It looks as if they are content with the mid-table ambition this season. Whether this aligns with the expectation of the fans, players or Steve Clarke himself is yet to be seen.

Swansea City

Where should Michu be played?

He first impressed as an opportunist behind a no.9, then showcased his ability as a striker himself. The best-buy of the season will now be in the spotlight, so as in the opponents' tactics book. Playing off the new arrival Wilfried Bony would be a wise option as the Spanish would get some shielding from Bony.

It might create another headache that Michael Laudrup does not mind having though. Pablo Hernandez will likely be Laudrup's first choice left midfielder, but he still has Leon Britton, Ki Sung Yeung, Jonathan De Guzman and Jonjo Shelvey fighting for two spots in central midfield. The variety of options enables the former Danish playmaker to flex his tactics according to opponents. It will also be a challenge to Laudrup to show he can utilise the resources available.

West Ham

Are the players mentally prepared to challenge for the next level of football?

Sam Allardyce could not charm the supporters with his football style, but he brought a solid season to Upton Park. Since promotion, he acquired Jussi Jaaskelainen, Mohamed Diame, Matt Jarvis, Jamie Collins, loaned Andy Carroll and signed Joe Cole in January. The signings were pivotal to West Ham and have become the backbone of the team.

This summer, Big Sam continues to strengthen the squad, acquiring Adrian, Razvan Rat and Andy Carroll to fill the loopholes of the squad. It will now come down to whether the players believe they are better than just being the 10th in the league. When backed by home supporters, they played with passion. When away from home, they lacked focus and confidence. Big Sam needs to bring the self-belief out of the players and convert this into consistent results to give West Ham a shot at European football.  

Norwich City

Are Gary Hooper and Wolfswinkel the solutions to the lack of goals?

Norwich was joint-second in the fewest goal scored. They only grabbed two away victories last season and scored even less than all relegated teams away from home. More surprisingly, they have decided to sell their leading goalscorer and captain Grant Holt.

Van Wolfswinkel is ready to shine

In return, they opt for two strikers who proves their ability to net goals in Scotland and Portugal respectively. Gary Hooper scored 82 times for Celtic in three years, while Ricky van Wolfswinkel netted 45 goals in 87 games for Sporting Lisbon. Despite the impressive record, Hooper and Wolfswinkel play quite a different style to the giant Grant Holt. How well will they fit into Chris Hughton's system?

Fulham

Do they have adequate depth in midfield to support Berbatov?

Fulham was another team who ran out of steam in the second half of the season. They tried to build around Dimitar Berbatov, but the Bulgarian had limited support, being the only Fulham player to have scored double-digit number of goals.

Berbatov is at his best playing with someone who is always ready to be on the receiving end of the pass. With Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz obviously not this type, responsibility has to be shared by midfielders. Having lost Emmanuel Frimpong, Urby Emanuelson, Eyong Enoh, Simon Davies and Mahamadou Diarra, Fulham has only recruited defensive midfielder Derek Boateng and is set to sign Adel Taarabt, who more prefers to have the ball at his feet. Martin Jol looks quite short of options to field a competent side to complement Berbatov. Targeting for Europa League is looking increasingly impossible for Fulham.

Stoke City

Is Mark Hughes the man for Stoke City?

The Welshman’s managerial career was far less stellar than his playing career and it is reasonable to doubt how he could still be a Premier League manager. While admitting he is implementing a new style of football to his new team, the biggest problem with Hughes is he never has a definitive style, regardless of his tenure at Manchester City, Fulham or QPR.

Signing new players galore at City and QPR but not having satisfactory results either proved he is not a wise spender or his tactics just do not work. Now operating on a limited budget, how could Hughes overturn the club’s playing style, and more importantly fortune in the next season? Addressing the nagging problem of not having a proper left back is step one but there’s still a long way to go.

20 pre-season questions for the Premier League teams Part I

Manchester United

Where is the new Paul Scholes?

Michael Carrick is the obvious direct replacement of Paul Scholes, but only the Paul Scholes in the twilight of his career. Sitting deep as an all-rounded defensive anchorman, Carrick needs his midfield partner to surge forward for goals – the younger Paul Scholes. The disappointment in the development of Anderson and Cleverley prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to use Ryan Giggs as Carrick's partner, but were often overpowered.

They could not tempt Thiago Alcantara to Manchester and are looking less likely to snap Cesc Fabregas from Camp Nou. Renewed interest in Luka Modric and the pursuit of Yohan Cabaye are still in the early discussion stage. Rather than looking externally, Wayne Rooney can actually be the immediate solution. Having sufficient resources up front, a healthy and motivated Rooney will fit in nicely as a midfield in Old Trafford. The only question will be his willingness to play second fiddle to Robin Van Persie.

Pellegrini is expected to bring European success to Etihad Stadium

Manchester City

Is it the time to shine in Europe?

Finally the grumpy Roberto Mancini is gone, so are Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez. The arrival of attacking talents, so as a charismatic manager, would hopefully restore order at Etihad Stadium. More importantly, owner Sheikh Mansour is hunger for some European success, something that Mancini just could not deliver in his managerial history.

Regaining the Premier League title remains the top priority, but equally they are desperate to at least get past the Champions League group stage. Successive disappointing campaigns send their European coefficient sinking and their European journey could become tougher. Their investment in recent years does not target for the Europa League. There are high hopes in Pellegrini with his track record in the Champions League – especially his time at Villarreal. With the right manager in place, and hopefully the right acquisitions, it is time for Manchester City to shine in the bigger stage.

Chelsea

Can Jose Mourinho lead Chelsea through generation transition?

In his second stint at Stamford Bridge, the push for trophies is still there, but the challenge is not quite the same. Still building a title-winning team, Jose Mourinho is inheriting a squad consisting of veterans who excelled during his first stint with Chelsea, and young players who Roman Abramovich hopes to brighten the playing style of the Blues.

John Terry, Frank Lampard, Peter Cech and Ashley Cole still have something left in their tanks, but it is hard to disagree the future is with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. Being a strong believer of his own philosophy of football, Mourinho must not get too indulged in his previous Chelsea era. Having already brought back Michael Essien, there could be better moves than shipping Didier Drogba back in England.

Mourinho should move on with his new squad

Arsenal

Without a notable defensive addition, can they challenge for the long-awaiting title?

By purely looking at the statistics last season, they were second best in total goals scored and goals conceded, but also failed to win and earned merely two points in six matchups against the top three. Looking to re-establish themselves as a title contender, they have avoided losing the captain this summer (thanks to Vermaelen's notorious injury problems) and have successfully acquired promising striker Yaya Sanogo. Arsene Wenger is also targeting the controversial Luis Suarez.

However, with Bacary Sagna obviously over the peak of his career, Szchesny's inconsistency, together with Vermaelen's fitness concern, how confident is Wenger with the existing lineup to sustain last season's defensive form? With the vast influx of attacking talents in England this summer, and not lacking much themselves, Arsenal should focus their war chest on their defensive end. Rewind to the Invincibles, it was not only about scoring goals, but also a solid back line with two world-class defensive midfielders.

Tottenham

What is the ideal combination on the left for Tottenham?

With Gareth Bale no longer just a left winger, Andre Villas-Boas will need to find a better partnership than Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gylfi Sigurdsson, the combination that was frequently used late in the 2012 season.

Nacer Chadli would be a natural option as left winger. His presence with Aaron Lennon will give incredible width to Tottenham. Should Andros Townsend retain his form with QPR, he will be AVB's favourite choice off the bench.

Selling Stephen Caulker to Cardiff could imply AVB prefers Jan Vertonghen as a centreback. This opens up the opportunity for another recalled loanee Danny Rose. Young Danny Rose enjoyed a breakout season with Sunderland and will add some competition to Assou-Ekotto's starting spot at left back, who sometimes, if not often, looks passionless on the field.

Everton

Will Martinez make a revolutionary change to Everton's tactics?

The exceptional high work-rate they have been playing at, as well as having quality wing backs Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, could be the perfect fit to Roberto Martinez's 3-4-3 formation. Relying on Marouane Fellaini and Victor Anichebe heavily last year, a more dynamic and fluid tactics can add versatility in their attack to up their 55 goals scored last season and boast their chance for European football.

However, revolutionary change in tactics can be a risky move for a new manager. Martinez may not completely overturn David Moyes' ideology, but with his tactical flexibility and the utilitymen available in Everton, one would not be surprised to see some in-match tactical change in Goodison Park in 2013, and expectations would be a positive surprise.

Can they advance to European stage together?

Liverpool

Are they over-reliant on one goalscorer?

Luis Suarez's potential departure will bring away his 23 league goals. Who will be the leading striker in Brendan Rodger's Liverpool? Daniel Sturridge is a competent centre forward, but not those who could single-handedly rule the game. Fabio Borini and new arrival Iago Aspas never showed up as consistent goalscorers in their careers.

Looking at the Swansea under Brendan Rodgers, Danny Graham was the top scorer in 2011-12 season, but Rodgers also got double of Graham's contribution from four other midfielders combined. He advertises a rapid passing game which prompts his midfielders to involve in attack as much as they could. After a season adapting to Rodgers' style, one may not see another outstanding goalscorer like Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Luis Suarez at Anfield, but a string of advanced goal-scoring midfielders, most notably Coutinho and new arrival 20-year-old Luis Alberto – who had 11 goals and 18 assists last season in Spain’s second division.