It would not be an overstatement to say when FIFA’s showpiece event in Brazil came to a close and Premier league countdown started, it was probably the longest wait ever for the EPL faithful, as the closure to the 2013/14 season gave people big expectations. Manchester City, who now are never out of the 'title contenders' bracket, with the squad and investment of recent years. While Liverpool, who rose back to dominance in the league were expected to challenge the elites, while the decorated Louis Van Gaal’s arrival at the helm of Manchester United added spice to the equation. Arsenal who stayed top of the pile for so long last season were expected to be much more of a threat following their end to the 9 year trophy drought. Tottenham managed by the impressive Argentine Mouricio Pochettino and Everton who had a solid season were expected to make an enticing Premier League battle. Not to mention, Jose Mourinho’s presence at Stamford Bridge is enough to bring the sense of Déjà vu after the trophy laden first stint in West London.
Fast forward three months in the league that is widely considered the best in the planet, it has turned out completely different as Manchester City failed to the start the way they were expected to, considering their multi-million squad. Liverpool failed miserably in their task of replacing the prolific Luis Suarez who ventured off to a certain distinct club in Catalonia. Everton got their way tangled with the additional burden of Europa League on their shoulders with fatigue really affecting the Toffee’s limited squad number.
Manchester United were expected to have a slow start but Louis Van Gaal’s philosophy is yet to rub off on the players and injury has not helped their cause. United have been far from convincing but are slowly rising upwards while still showing room for improvements.
Arsene Wenger, who now is the longest serving manager in the Premier League following the retirement of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, did manage to make some astute summer signings, but the Frenchman failed to address the problem that has been an Achilles’ heel for the Gunners after not strengthening the physicality of the side and failing to address the void in defensive midfield and center-back positions. Also, with injury being a regular part of Arsenal’s season it did not take long for calamity to strike and the North London side saw their worst ever start in the Premier League under Arsene Wenger whilst a host of the players turned to spectators from the treatment table.
So the Premier League, which was expected to be one of the most enthralling battle in recent years turned out to be a One Horse race with Chelsea setting the pace and the standards. Mourinho's side are dreaming big, as there are already shouts that the Blues could very well match the feat of legendary Arsenal team of 2003-04 and go on a season unbeaten. That could be a distant dream but as of now the Premier League season of 2014-15 has to be most disappointing (unless you're a Chelsea fan) considering such huge expectations before it all started.
Source: DSG
