Manchester City were crowned the 2013-14 EPL champions after overcoming the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Manchester City were crowned the 2013-14 EPL champions after overcoming the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Moreover the Red Devils suffered one of their worst seasons as they slipped to seventh place under the nightmare reign of David Moyes. Arsenal was at top for quite some time but lost out on key games whereas Luis Suarez gave Liverpool hope of a title dream but a mental slip up allowed the trophy to go back to the Citizens.
At the Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho remained empty handed but as the new season kicks off, here’s a look at the top four sides teams who are here to gain the numero uno spot as well as bagful of goals.
Chelsea:
Key players: Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, John Terry
Jose Mourinho did not have a happy return last season as his Chelsea side failed to pick up a trophy as they saw Manchester City collect silverware. Portuguese manager Mourinho, who is eyeing a third EPL title with the Blues, has sold the likes of David Luiz to PSG and Romelu Lukaku to Everton and in came former Atletico Madrid hitman forward, Diego Costa.
Also there were some other marquee signings with the likes of Cesc Fabregas coming in from Barcelona, Felipe Luis and Chelsea icon, Didier Drogba as well. With loads of big names at the helm, Chelsea are no more ‘little horses’, according to Mourinho but a pack of scavengers out for trophy hunt.
Manchester City
Key players: Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta
By winning the Premier League and League Cup last season, Manchester City enjoyed their most successful season since 1970 under the managerial leadership of Manuel Pelligrini. But the Citizens will be under immense pressure to defend the title. City’s prolific attack, which saw them score over 100 goals last season will be led by the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri. Former Chelsea great Frank Lampard, who will spend the first half of the season on loan from MLS side New York City, can provide excellent cover in midfield.
The arrivals of Willy Caballero from Malaga and Eliaquim Mangala from Porto FC can give Manchester City the desired push to retain the title once more.
Arsenal
Key players: Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez
Finally the ‘monkey was off their backs’ as Arsenal ended 9-year trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup in May this year. Manager Arsene Wenger’s side began the new season brightly by bringing in some new faces. Chile forward Alexis Sanchez arrived from Barcelona after some good showing in 2014 FIFA World Cup while the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and David Ospina too arrived at the Emirates. Arsenal’s key players will be Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey, who will look to maintain their form from previous season.
The presence of World Cup winners in the squad – Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil will give the Gunners a mighty morale boost. Arsenal have never spent BIG in the transfer window but with the arrival of some key players, it seems the tide has turned for the Gunners.
Manchester United
Key players: Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie, David de Gea
After a torrid season, Manchester United will be without Champions League football for the first time since 1995 as well as the Europa League. Though leaving that news aside, the arrival of former Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has lifted the spirits around the Old Trafford faithful.
Van Gaal has already started his work at the Red Devils HQ with the departures of veterans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The arrivals of Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and teenager defender Luke Shaw from Southampton, Manchester United are desperate to win over their fans.
Van Gaal appointed England striker Wayne Rooney as the new captain while midfielder Darren Fletcher was given the deputy role. The teams around them have strengthened well but never count out Manchester United who can be dominating on their day.
Liverpool
Key players: Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert
How times have changed at Anfield wherein Liverpool who were unwilling to let loose of their prized asset, Luis Suarez to Arsenal last season, have finally sold the controversial striker to Barcelona. But Brendan Rodgers has full faith in his new signings with the likes of Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno amongst the big arrivals. Also the current lot of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho can carry the duty of taking this Red side to Premier League trophy.
The loss of Suarez was a bitter blow but manager Brendan Rodgers will once again be plotting a title challenge after seeing it fade away.
These top five teams shouldn’t breathe easy as Premier League continues to amaze us!
