RISE OF THE PRETENDER - MANCHESTER CITY

And then came the season of the pretenders. Breaking into the glorified “big Four”, could we really see the rise of a new regime? Some say so, some rubbish its acclaim but my count is…Watch Out.

For nearly seven years now the English League has been dominated by mainly four clubs (more like three), Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Be it the financial edge, passion ridden fans or the pure on-field class, a separate strata has taken ruling which looks to stay for many -many years to come. Or so one would say after all these years of pretty much observing the same round up of the top 4.

But then,   there was light. Enter – Manchester City. Bankrolled by an Arab Billionaire with a vision (probably Gucci), people started talking. Ambition was finally injected into the ‘lower’ strata of the ‘society’ and signings like Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Gareth Barry etc. showed exactly what they were aiming for.

Watch out for them. On their day, they seem to destroy opposing teams, and have indeed proved their mettle with fabulous performances against Liverpool and Manchester United.

The reason why I see them emerging as a force is primarily down to their desire to win. When I watch City play, I see the hunger in the players (best described by Adebayor’s Arsenal celebration) and their quality of football is excellent. Mark Hughes has adopted an intricate sense of play which seems to baffle even the grandmasters of the stubbornest of defences. 

Sadly, he too is a fallen prey of the imaginary "Instant Success" attitude that blots football today. Speaking of which, they have come under some criticism regarding their own defence, which has indeed been a problem, but trust Roberto Mancini to sort that out.

Another revelation, Stephen Ireland has been absolutely sensational. With Elano being shipped off to Turkey, Ireland has provided that attacking flair to maximum degree which made him City’s ‘Player of the Year’ last year.

Robinho’s goal against Arsenal last season was one I will never forget. Chipping the ball past Almunia, it was rightly prized as “Audacity of the highest quality”.  It is this ’audacity’ to disrupt life at the top 4, that I see key in City’s progression.

Currently 5^th in the standings (with a game in hand), the future looks bright for the Blue half of Manchester. And u never know….Premier League glory? WATCH OUT!

 My prediction: 4^th place


P.S - Looking forward to Patrick Viera's visit to Arsenal!