The third of our four half-term report cards (check out the first and second parts) for the 09/10 Premier League season features some big names:
LIVERPOOL (7th, 33 points from 20 games)
An unforeseen season horribilis for Liverpool in the making – nothing has gone right for Rafa Benitez, from the injury woes of Fernando Torres to the poor form of captain Steven Gerrard and key defender Jamie Carragher. Much of the blame must fall on Rafa’s shoulders – he was partly responsible for the departure of the vital Xabi Alonso, and quite how he’s managed to end up with such a thin forward roster (Torres apart) is beyond me; Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane, your Liverpool careers look better by the game. So the title has long been out of reach, and now it’s a mad scramble to qualify for next season’s Champions League – and of course, this season’s Champions League was also a huge disappointment. All those pundits who tipped Liverpool for the title back in August must feel pretty foolish now.
Gold star: Pepe Reina. None of Liverpool’s outfield players has consistently played well.
In detention: ‘Abject’ Andriy Voronin, obviously. But Steven Gerrard has been worryingly off colour too, while Jamie Carragher is having his worst season for a long time.
Grade: D+
MAN CITY (5th, 35 points from 19 games)
Champions are rarely made overnight, and for all City’s owners’ talk about being happy with a bit of silverware and a top-six finish, the sacking of Mark Hughes (badly timed but the right decision – Garry Cook truly is the new Peter Kenyon) revealed that they genuinely believe the club can buy the title this season. However, realism must replace impatience – it will take time for City’s squad of expensively assembled stars to click. So far, so good, though – City have played very well in attack, but it’s their shiny new defence that has faltered – would you rather have Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott or Richard Dunne and James Collins? Still, they have enough quality to crack the top four, though I suspect they’ll have to settle for fifth.
Gold star: Craig Bellamy. Not one of the new band of mercenaries, but one of the players of the season so far. Carlos Tevez has also sizzled.
In detention: City’s back four. Must try harder.
Grade: B+
MAN UTD (2nd, 43 points from 20 games)
I have rarely seen Man United play really well this season, but somehow they’re in second, in the hunt as usual and set fair for the part of the season when traditionally they embark on a ruthless winning run. But how did they do it? By winning ugly, something they have learned to do in the last couple of seasons – the fact that United’s rivals have all stumbled on more than one occasion has also helped. Not one of United’s players is having his best campaign (bar Darren Fletcher maybe), but of course there’s still more than enough quality in the squad to ensure that Fergie’s men win their fair share of games. But the loss to Leeds United in the FA Cup should be the kick up the arse that the club needs. Still can’t see them retaining their title though. Second behind Chelsea.
Gold star: Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra have stood out for me. United are strongest with Fletch in their midfield, whilst Evra is simply a marvellous player, despite the odd lapse.
In detention: Plenty of candidates, including Nani, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick and Ben Foster. But Berbatov gets my vote – the guy can play but has less heart than the Tin Man.
Grade: B+
PORTSMOUTH (20th, 14 points from 20 games)
The wheels are coming off at Pompey, with off-the-pitch problems leading to cast-iron relegation form. Indeed, relegation might be the least of their worries, as the club faces the very real threat of being the first Prem club to go into administration, with players yet to be paid for December. New gaffer Avram Grant will at least be forced to sell a couple of players in January, though looking at their less-than-convincing squad, I can’t see too many attractive propositions for prospective buyers.
Gold star: A bare cupboard here. Younes Kaboul, for all his flaws, has given his all for the cause.
In detention: Aaron Makoena has hardly impressed.
Grade: D+
STOKE (10th, 24 points from 20 games)
Are Stoke the new Bolton? Could be. They’re a well-run team with a bit of cash to spare and a canny manager who knows exactly how to get the best out of his resources. No one could argue that they play pretty football, but for mid-table teams, effectiveness is the order of the day. After the Potters’ splendid overachievements last season, it’s easy to take this season’s respectable form for granted. That said, they could do with a good run, having struggled in December, and their current 10th place is slightly deceptive, as they are only six points above the relegation zone. Some of Tony Pulis’s decisions have appeared questionable, and you wonder how popular he now is in the dressing room, especially after the James Beattie spat.
Gold star: Matthew Etherington has settled in very nicely. Ryan Shawcross’s stock has also risen. Good that Tony Pulis has seen the light and started to trust Tuncay, at last.
In detention: Ricardo Fuller, criticised earlier this season by his manager for carrying too much weight, has failed to spark.
Grade: B-
Agree/disagree with our grades? Let’s hear it…
The fourth and final bunch of reports will be posted tomorrow.