David Moyes hasn't had an easy start with David Gill departing and the new chief exec not seeming to have a clue. United fans could be forgiven for being disappointed with their only summer transfer business, Marouane Fellaini, after a summer rumour mill linking Bale, Fabregas & Ronaldo to the club.
With the team struggling in the league and exits in the League & FA Cups it’s difficult to see how United can turn around their season. Moyes will most likely have to write this off as a transition season & his recent capture of Juan Mata seems to indicate he knows a rebuilding process is in order.
Something that could define the remainder of the campaign is that both David Moyes and Manchester United historically have stronger second halves to the season.
Key Player - Danny Welbeck
Whilst he had his critics early doors (following losses to Hull & Sunderland) the truth was Pardew was always likely to turn it round. The clubs owner kept faith despite some unrest and they reaped the rewards…the team losing just once in 9 games from Nov through to boxing day.
It was enough to take Pardew from a potential sacking to Manager of the month in December.
Though they have lost 3 of their last 4 games have included Arsenal & Man City. The biggest loss and worry will be the departure of Cabaye to PSG especially since the chances of replacing him adequately are few & far between this late in the day.
Even without him though, they have enough French quality to easily finish Top 10…though Europe may now be out of their sites.
Key Player - Mathieu Debuchy
Big money signing Van Wolfswinkel has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League with just one goal to his name. It is a problem which runs across the team with only 2 teams scoring less than the Canaries.
Hughton is losing the fans & he will need a good start to the 2nd part of the season not only for his own job safety but that of Norwich’s; whose last 4 games consist of Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea & Arsenal.
Hooper has been a shining light this season and if he can build on what looks like a promising partnership with Elmander then they should be safe.
If fans are looking for some postive signs then their record against the teams around them is only bettered by Fulham. This could be a defining factor in this years battle to avoid the drop
Key Player: Leroy Fer
It’s safe to say that Pochettino has firmly put his stamp on Southampton now. After strengthening in the summer they are now playing with the Argentines favoured high intensity and pressure style of play.
A fantastic start to the season saw the team hovering around the Top 6 after 10 games yet they have suffered a blip in form as of late. With 31 points from 22 games they should be safe from relegation and the aim now will be to recapture that form and push on to a Top 10 finish.
Whilst plenty of players who have caught the eye so far; 2 stand out for ‘The Saints’. Jay Rodriguez has netted 9 goals in the league and is doing his best to stake a claim for a spot in the England team whilst fellow country man Adam Lallana has been central to everything
Key Player - Adam Lallana
It came as a surprise to many when Stoke looked to pastures new this season; replacing Pulis with Mark Hughes, but whilst Pulis had sailed this ship to steady Premier League mediocrity, he was starting to look like a man constantly trying to stay afloat.
Yet with a lack of funds for new arrivals they find themselves in a relegation scrap with 11 other teams.
When they play well, the football is better. But the old habits die hard, and poor form sees them revert to ugly football and ugly tactics.
With only 5 points on their travels and only 8 goals scored, there is an obvious issue. Something tells me they'll be alright, but it won't be pretty nor impressive and might just be down to the paucity of talent in the teams around them.
Key Player - Asmir Begovic
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