tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801923422895102629.post5223783984052713670..comments2023-12-22T20:53:01.454+00:00Comments on Jonny Gould's Soccermongery: Who will win the Premier League? United, Chelsea, Sky Sports or ESPN?Jonny Gouldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07140291965364043592noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801923422895102629.post-64764678241442087542009-08-14T12:03:15.680+01:002009-08-14T12:03:15.680+01:00Talks like a Police Officer!! Don't think so J...Talks like a Police Officer!! Don't think so Jonny.<br /><br />I think your assessment of the forthcoming Premiership campaign is spot on. Wouldn't surprise me if there's a two-horse race between Arsenal and Chelsea.<br /><br />My main concern over the next few months are the managerial capabilities of Messrs Yorath and Southall. They get going at Gander Green Lane tomorrow afternoon.Jeremy Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02014279463894807064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801923422895102629.post-3916113828732079942009-08-11T02:47:24.987+01:002009-08-11T02:47:24.987+01:00I think there are some serious question marks over...I think there are some serious question marks over the Manchester Utd side this season, particularly with regards to the strength of their midfield. No matter who Sir Alex plays, the loss of Ronaldo will be massive, and Tevez’s departure only adds to the problems. That said, I still think they have the best defence in the Premier League, and I’m expecting big things from Michael Owen and Rooney up front this season.<br />The one thing I disagree with Jonny on is the plight of Arsenal. They will be the best in terms of entertainment value, but that’s about all I’m expecting them to achieve this season. Toure and Adebayor leaving was bad enough, but that’s just the start of their problems. The fact remains Arsenal have gone 4 years without a trophy, and I think they’re about to make it 5. <br />They might get lucky in one of the cup competitions, but they won’t even come close to winning the Premier League or Champions League.<br />Wenger needs a decent goalkeeper, and fast. He also needs to do something he’s never done before, and buy established players who will come in and start playing well straight away. <br />I’m aware of the financial troubles at Arsenal regarding the problems selling the luxury apartments on the Highbury site, but I also understand there are two billionaires on the board.<br />I’m not expecting Aston Villa or Everton to finish in the top four, but the real unknown commodity for me is Manchester City. Mark Hughes’ reputation as Wales manager was based largely on the win against Italy in the autumn of 2002, but, take it from me, there was a LOT of really poor football played during his tenure. If results don’t come right, I’m expecting him to be an early managerial casualty this season.<br />This could well be the season when we see a shift in power towards Liverpool and Chelsea, for the reasons Jonny describes. For Liverpool, the signing of Alberto Aquilani from Roma probably makes their midfield the strongest of the lot. Meanwhile, Chelsea have appointed a manager with a magnificent track record, particularly at European level, and the signing of Yuri Zhirkov will add depth to an already strong squad.<br />On the broadcasting front, there’s no doubt in my mind that ESPN is here to stay. Contacts of mine in the snooker fraternity speak highly of Ray Stubbs as a person, so I wish him every success in his new role.<br />The one slight sticking point from their point of view is that from the 2010/11 season, they will only have the rights to 23 live Premier League games, and the contracts for all other major football (apart from Setanta’s FA Cup rights) are tied up for the next few years. I’m sure we’ll be seeing them investing in other sports before too long. I’m glad they’ve landed in Britain, because competition is healthy and will keep other broadcasters on their toes.Marcus Steadnoreply@blogger.com