Big questions still remain unanswered in the Premier League, but that is why we have a season with 38 games. The results last weekend raised some serious issues but the question is whether this is déjà vu. Is Chelsea really this good? They are steamrolling opposition, with or without Drogba, they are amazing. This is meant to be an aging team but they are fresher than most contenders, the question is how the team will cope with injuries. If Terry or Alex is out then they have no cover, they will then have to depend on Ivanovic or other full-backs to cover. I think Chelsea is saved by their attack but if they are pressured then they could crumble. Is this the year for Arsenal? Every year the Gunners compete well until February when the strain takes a toll. Injuries are always an issue, Van Persie and Walcott are already out but they have reserves. Chamakh is the line-leader they need but hasn’t yet stamped his authority on the team. Fabregas is still the brains behind the team and is sorely missed when injured. The question is whether Arsenal can just be cold and efficient, not to create 30 chances and score 3 but to create 3 chances and score 2 and close out the game. Is Rooney going to suffer burnout? Last year Rooney played like Superman, he gave the level of energy and focus that could not be matched. An injury in March led his to stray and he wandered off into nightclubs and a string of affairs. Sir Alex Ferguson does not like unfocussed players who spend their time in the tabloids so unless Rooney changes one cannot see him at Man U long term. The question of his aging stars is another issue, Scholes and Giggs are still amazing but he has come to rely on them too much, so he needs a new dynamo in midfield. Is Liverpool going to hit the top 4 again? The emergence of Spurs last year as a Champions league team was a refreshing turn but a great name is missing in Liverpool FC. Roy Hodgson has stabilized the team with a few minor additions but more of the core is still there. Fernando Torres looks fed up and is looking like he did towards the end of his Atletico Madrid days. Steven Gerard looks like he has given all he can and want to evolve into a different type of player and not carry the team as he did. They still will struggle for goals as Ngog is poor and there is little else on the bench. ramaisibo@hotmail.com
