EPL will be more competitive this season

The English Premier League lost one of the key icons in Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired at the end of last season; however, fans could be in for one of the most exciting seasons ever.

Saturday, September 14, 2013
Dr. Joseph Kamugisha

The English Premier League lost one of the key icons in Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired at the end of last season; however, fans could be in for one of the most exciting seasons ever.And although there has been a change of managers in the three major clubs, namely; Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, many teams have strengthened their squads, which could make the league a lot more competitive.With David Moyes taking over from the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, Manuel Pellegrini replacing Roberto Mancini at City and Jose Mourinho returns at Stamford Bridge.This season, we should expect to see the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Tottenham Hotspurs and even Arsenal fight not only for the league title but also the top four spots.All the six teams  will nonetheless face stiff competition from the so called smaller clubs that have spent fortunes on strengthening their squads.The top clubs have all spent on new players; even Arsene Wenger broke Arsenal’s transfer record by signing German midfielder Mezut Ozil from Real Madrid for £42 million.After three rounds of matches, Man City, who finished second last season, Europa League winners, Chelsea, who finished third as well as reigning Premier League champions Man United, have all dropped points.League title underdogs Liverpool and Tottenham have been busy this summer strengthening their squads and will pose real threat to favourites.Tottenham have signed key international players like Spanish striker Roberto Saldado, winger Chacer Chadli, midfielder Erik Lamela, and Brazil combative midfielder Paulinho among others. Though Gareth Bale has left, Spurs will have pretty of firepower going forward.Liverpool have also signed quite a number of players, some on loan that could boast their chances this season. They look stable even without their goal machine Luis Suarez, who is serving a 10-game suspension for alleged bite on Chelsea defender Banislav Ivanovic last season.Branden Rogers’ team are playing well with their false number nine Daniel Sturridge leading the line perfectly well. Liverpool lead Premier League table on 9 points out of 9.The arrival of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid has brightened the mood and hopes at Arsenal. The Germany international arrival at the London club is seen as a major boost to the Gunners’ hopes of maintaining their record of finishing inside the top four since Wenger took charge in 1996.A combination of Jack Wilshire, Santi Cazorla, Ozil and Theo Walcott will undoubtedly produce goals. Arsenal has not won a trophy for seven seasons and the fans can start to believe this could be the season to change that unenvied record.There are so many factors associated with increased competitiveness especially in money-rated league like the Premier League.Many people believe that football is becoming more predictable with the current financial strength from the billionaires, who are investing heavily in their clubs.There have been massive investments from billionaire-owned clubs especially the three big clubs; Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs but that has not stopped smaller clubs to surprise them on the field.United’s Moyes and City’s Pellegrini have already been beaten by Liverpool and Cardiff City respectively, which, even at this early stage, is a sign of the more shocks to come this season in what is regarded by many as the best league in the world.Moyes appears to be struggling to fit in Ferguson’s shoes. Sir Alex Ferguson was a coherent man in a moving world and his influence was such that even when United’s squad appeared weaker than that of their rivals, they would always challenge favourably for the title.