The Meeko - Week 1 - Footbo

Well the 1st week of the new Premiership season is over and no real surprises. The big 4 all took points and I must say, as an Arsenal fan this is going to be a hard season. Last season everybody that I spoke to that wasn't an Arsenal fan thought we'd had a bad season and were quick to write us off for 08/09. However it was only those 2 games against United and Chelsea in the latter stages of 2008 that cost us the title... and we were 1-0 up until late into the 2nd half on both occassions. Even including 'that' Eduardo incident we still had a chance to take the title. In fact, beating United and just a draw against Chelsea would have won it for us. I think our inexperience cost us.
However, this year Chelsea seemed to have stepped up to the next level. Watching them against Pompey they looked like a side full of confidence, top, top ability and a winning mentality to the final whistle. It's going to be difficult now Scolari has brought in quality like Deco and Bosingwa for any club to get near them this season. United however haven't brought anyone in and have in fact lost the admitedly inconsistent Saha up front... If Fergie can get Berbatov they might give Chelsea a run for their money.
Arsenal's chances this season remain slim. I believe they have enough to fend off the rest of the pack to finish 3rd again and although their maturity grows every season, I think the lack of decent cover for the midfield unit will be a problem. I don't want to go back a few seasons but I must mention Vieira... every team needs a big, heavy tackling, ball winner to muscle a midfield and we haven't replaced him yet.
Liverpool, although bolstering their squad with some decent signings up front and at left back again look frail and uninventive down the flanks. I don't think Kuyt and Benayoun would make the 1st team at any of the other clubs in the top 5 or 6.

At the other end of the potential table, I think Stoke were unfortunate against Bolton and a couple of signings at the back i think they will do enough to stay up. Hull City looked good, they were creative and resolute. Geovanni... what a signing. I think it could well be signing of the summer if he carries on in the same vein and stays off the physio's table. West Brom looked well organised against Arsenal and i feel they could have a succeful season as well. All this means things are going to be difficult for Wigan, Sunderland and the Bolton. Although saying that, I have been pleased to see Roy Keane make some decent signings recently, he could be just the right man to get out of Diouf the World Cup 2002 form that originally brought him to the attention of Liverpool. Bolton looked good, admitedly against a nervous Stoke side but the big boys up there will be difficult to beat in the cold weather at the Reebok. Nolan remains one of my favourite Premiership under-rated players.
Unfortunately Tottenham came across a well organised Middlesbrough side <snigger> and lost 1-2. I don't know what spurs fans think of Ramos but it looked to me like he made some bad decisions for his opening day game against Middlesbrough... why was Berbatov on the bench? I know your selling him but he came on anyway... why not start him? Jenas is captain now? And why didn't Huddleston start? I think Tom should be looking at an England place this season and he didn't feature... At least you got rid of Robinson, who I think was at fault for both of the goals he conceeded at the weekend (on that note, does anyone else think James was also at fault for a couple of goals against Chels? Hart didn't do well either... what is England to do!?)

So, Capello announced earlier that Terry is to be the captain for the England side. I think the last time Terry was captain England failed to get to a major finals... although I dont actually think that was anything to do with it. Must have been a tough choice for Capello, both players have played tremendously well for their clubs, both seem natural leaders and both captain clubs that have had a lot of success in the greatest football league on the planet. I think JT just pips it in terms of enthusiasm and bravery.

Finally, one more thing... It was fantastic seeing Mike Riley in action again for United against the Toon army, he always manages to remain unseen which is the biggest compliment i could pay but how did he miss Vidic's blatant step into the new boy (Jonas) Gutierrez on the edge of the United area!