Premier League - The season so far...

The first half of the 2010-2011 Premier League season has been unquestionably one of the most unpreditable periods in the competitions 17 year history. As we approach the crunch Christmas schedule, guest writer Matthew Oldfield talks the good, the bad and the ugly of the Premier League so far.

Best Signings

Peter Odemwingie

1. Rafael Van Der Vaart, Tottenham - £8 million for a World Cup runner-up and former Real Madrid playmaker? Thank you very much says Harry Redknapp on transfer deadline day. 14 games and 8 goals later, Rafael could just be the wheeler-dealer’s best signing ever. Injuries are already proving to be a bit of an issue, but he’ll be an integral part of Spurs’ double campaign.
2. Peter Odemwingie, West Brom – Goals was something many people felt The Baggies might struggle for on their return to the Premiership. Enter Uzbekistan-born Nigerian striker Odemwingie with blistering pace and 6 goals to ease Di Matteo’s fears. For less than £3 million, they’ve got to be delighted.
3. David Silva, Manchester City – City spent big this summer in a typically hit and miss fashion, but Spanish international midfielder Silva has certainly been a hit so far. He didn’t come cheaply (£24 million) but a great individual goal against Blackpool confirmed Silva as one of City’s key creative threats. His partnership with Carlos Tevez is definitely one to watch.

   

   David Silva
   

4. Asamoah Gyan, Sunderland – Steve Bruce took a big £13 million gamble on the Ghanian striker after his attention-grabbing World Cup display. So far it is paying off, with Gyan forming an exciting attacking partnership with Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck. 5 goals in 5 starting appearances is a great record, which The Black Cats’ supporters will be hoping to see continue.
5. Cheick Tiote, Newcastle – The powerful Ivorian midfielder has had a dramatic impact since his arrival, and the big clubs are already snooping around. At around £3 million, he is looking every inch the bargain, having formed a dangerous midfield pairing with Joey Barton. He can be a little robust and clumsy at times, but at 24 years of age, time is certainly on his side.

Worst signings

Mauro Boselli

1. Stephen Ireland, Aston Villa – The arrival of Ireland was seen as a key positive for Villa in the big-money departure of star man James Milner. However, the Irish midfielder has looked lethargic and disinterested this season, leading to rumours that he will leave as soon as January. Gerard Houllier is certainly unimpressed, as he looks to reenergise his shaky side.
2. Pablo Barrera, West Ham – Avram Grant spent a decent amount of money this summer, and has rarely reaped the benefits. Mexican winger Barrera cost £4 million and was expected to provide some much-needed midfield creativity. So far, he has misfired in his 13 appearances, and The Hammers will be expecting much more from him if they are to avoid relegation.
3. Mauro Boselli, Wigan – Boss Roberto Martinez was looking to bring in a big goal-scorer this summer to partner Hugo Rodallega. Argentinian Boselli was chosen for £6 million, and has looked a very poor selection so far. The striker’s only goal in 11 appearances has come in the Carling Cup against Swansea. To save Wigan’s season, Boselli must find some form quickly.
4. Yossi Benayoun, Chelsea – At £5 million, Carlo Ancelotti saw the Israeli as a solid addition to his squad, and an improvement on the departing Joe Cole. However, after just 3 ineffectual sub appearances, Benayoun was ruled out for six months in mid-October with an Achilles injury. The Blues could really have done with his midfield talents in the absence of Lampard and Essien.
5. Bebe, Manchester United – The star of the Homeless World Cup is certainly this year’s luckiest footballer. Bebe’s potential is more or less accepted – he’s big, strong and quick – but his actual ability is so far highly dubious. Two deflected goals have not convinced anyone and at only £500,000 less than Tottenham paid for star Van Der Vaart, United fans are not impressed.

Most Improved

Joey Barton

1. Chris Brunt, West Brom – The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has been a revelation this season with a Premier League-leading 10 assists, as well as 2 goals. Few expected The Baggies to be sitting mid-table at Christmas, so Brunt more than deserves his recognition.
2. Joey Barton, Newcastle – Ignoring a petulant punch at Morten Gamst Pedersen, Barton has been a reformed character this season, finally allowing his football to do the talking. With 2 goals and 4 assists, he has become a key member of this exciting Newcastle team with his underrated creativity.
3. Marc Albrighton, Aston Villa – The local winger has emerged from nowhere this season to become a first-team regular at Villa. With four assists, three goals and a winning combination of pace, skill and work-rate, Albrighton has a bright future ahead of him.
4. Alan Hutton, Tottenham – This time last year, the Scottish international defender was warming the Spurs bench before a January loan move to Sunderland. Fast forward a year, and Hutton is playing European football in a successful Tottenham side. His individual goal against Bolton showcased his exciting attacking potential.
5. Danny Wellbeck, Sunderland – Sir Alex Ferguson has always put a lot of faith in Wellbeck, and the youngster has really emerged as a top attacking prospect during his loan spell at Sunderland. Blistering pace, dazzling skill and now an eye for goal (5 so far this season) make him an increasingly dangerous opponent. Surely he’ll be back at Old Trafford soon.

Team of the Year

1. Joe Hart, Manchester City – The second half of 2010 has been a breakthrough period for the talented young goalkeeper. Not only did he usurp Green and James as England’s No.1, but he also beat Shay Given to become Manchester City’s first-choice. His great form has kept Given on the bench, and City firmly in the chase for the title.
2. Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea – With Ricardo Carvalho departing and injuries to John Terry and Alex, the Russian has been the rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence. Versatile, quick and good with the ball, Ivanovic has also emerged as an attacking aerial threat for The Blues this season.
3. Leighton Baines, Everton – It has been a difficult season for David Moyes’ side so far, but Baines has been one of the definite bright sparks. Always solid in defence, the England international has also been in great attacking form with 6 assists and two wonderful goals. Bayern Munich are interested, and you can see why on current form.
4. Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United – The Serbian stopper has been in tremendous form this season, relishing his new role as United skipper. Reunited with Rio Ferdinand in recent weeks, Vidic has been nullifying threats left right and centre. He has also popped up with three important goals and has become one of Ferguson’s best ever signings.
5. Nedum Onuoha, Sunderland – Steve Bruce has had great success with his loan signings this season; Wellbeck is shining in attack, and Onuoha has been an impressive rock at the back. The Nigerian-born defender has helped the Black Cats to concede just 18 goals this season. Adding in a wonderful solo strike against Chelsea, it has been a breakthrough spell for the City player.
6. Samir Nasri, Arsenal – With Fabregas injured for half of the games and perhaps on his way out, Nasri couldn’t have picked a better time to come in to his own at Arsenal. The Frenchman has become not only playmaker but also a goalscorer, finding the net 8 times this season. Arguably the Gunners’ most important player at the moment.

   

   Samir Nasri

7. Nani, Manchester United – Love him or hate him, Nani has been involved in everything good about Manchester United this season. In a squad dominated by work-rate and defensive qualities, the Portuguese international has been the creative centre-point, especially in the absence of Rooney, with 5 goals and 10 assists. And the winger is still honing his impressive talents.
8. Stuart Holden, Bolton – Much of the media attention surrounding Bolton’s rise has been focused on Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies, but Scottish-born American midfielder Holden is the lynchpin and symbol of the new Bolton; physical, tireless but skilful and attacking.
9. Andy Carroll, Newcastle United – Despite the off-field problems, Carroll has emerged this season as the future of not just Newcastle, but England’s, attack. Strong, quick, great in the air and good with the ball at his feet, the Geordie has 10 goals and 6 assists to his name already. At just 21, he is looking a seriously exciting prospect.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City – Another controversial striker, but another indispensable player for his club. With Mancini’s defence-minded formation, Tevez is relied upon to lead the line and get the goals and he has done just that, with 10 goals so far. His skill, energy and cunning make him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous opponents. City must keep him focused.
11. Gareth Bale, Tottenham – A year ago, Bale was on his way out of White Hart Lane; seen as a bad luck charm, the Welshman appeared destined not to fulfil his promise. But now, he is revelling in left-wing superstardom. Phenomenal performances against Inter Milan have been backed up by starring roles in the Premiership. His pace must be seen to be believed.

Squad players:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Blackburn), Ben Foster (Birmingham)

Defenders: Scott Dann (Birmingham), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Hangeland (Fulham)

Midfielders: Kevin Nolan (Newcastle), Tim Cahill (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland)

Strikers: Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United), Johan Elmander (Bolton), Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal)

Ones to Watch in 2011

1. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United – The England striker is just starting to rediscover his form after a torrid 2010, where he nearly left Old Trafford. But following the contract debacle, the fans need convincing, and Wayne must start contributing goals again. Everyone knows that when Rooney starts scoring, he is almost impossible to stop.
2. Frank Lampard, Chelsea – It’s been a frustrating season so far for Frank, with only six appearances and one goal in all competitions. However, when he’s back to full fitness, Lampard is exactly what Chelsea are missing right now; a dynamic, creative, goal-scoring central midfielder.
3. Joe Cole, Liverpool – Cole has not had an ideal start at Anfield; injuries, suspensions and uncertain form have really limited his playing time so far. If he can get his confidence back, however, he remains a key attacking figure. With the club on a relative rise going in to the New Year, this second half to the season will be make-or-break time for Cole, Hodgson and Liverpool.
4. Mario Balotelli, Manchester City – The Italian striker has the potential to be one of the world’s best, but he is his own worst enemy. With Tevez looking unsettled and tired and Adebayor and Santa Cruz looking to leave, Balotelli must shoulder some of the scoring responsibility and learn to curb his petulant temper. If he can, that City strikeforce could be lethal.
5. Robbie Keane, Tottenham – The Irish striker’s days at White Hart Lane look well and truly numbered, but where will he end up in January? Aston Villa and Birmingham look to be the favourites so far, but along with Roque Santa Cruz, Keane still represents good value for any mid-table or relegation-threatened side. Affordable players with the potential to turn a season around are hard to come by, so watch this space.