Barclays Premier League 2013-14: Mid-Season Review

In August, the Barclays Premier League entered its 22nd season - one which has had many ups and downs so far, with suprises and shocks at every angle. But how has it really fared up until now?

Was the future too bright under Mackay for Tan to bear?

Sackings. Before anything, the amount of sackings this season so far in the Barclays Premier League have been unbelievable. Starting in September, Paolo Di Canio's so called "controversial" reign at Sunderland came to an end after the Black Cats' dismal start to the season, with Gus Poyet coming to the helm. Just over two-and-a-half months later, Martin Jol was told at Fulham to pack his bags, as were Steve Clarke, Andre Villas-Boas and Malky Mackay from West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham and Cardiff City, respectively. But were some of these sackings justified? In the case of Malky Mackay's departure from Cardiff City, I for one certainly think not. His record proves that he is the greatest manager in Cardiff's history and he certainly worked his socks off getting them to the 2012 Carling Cup Final and promotion to this season's Premier League campaign. Vincent Tan, who claimed that "too much dirty linen had been exposed to the public gaze", following Mackay's public comments about transfer targets, can be rightly described as arrogant and domineering. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has replaced Mackay on an initial 12-month contract. AVB's sacking was right in the respect that they were underperforming despite having spent £100m on well-established world class players like Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado and on prodigies Paulinho and Christian Eriksen. Yet, it is logical to consider how a lot of these players came from different leagues and will still need to time to gel together - only then will Tottenham really manifest their on-field mojo.

Then there's Manchester United. In December 2012, they were leading the pack with 49 points. They went on to win their 20th Premier League crown later that season. December 2013? Well, they were in 6th and had attained only 34 points. Where will they finish this season? Well, to be honest, they still very much have a squad capable of winning the title although I personally believe that the Premier League trophy will be departing Old Trafford in May. I still maintain the opinion that David Moyes is the right man for United, just as I said in July last year, although he does not possess the aura that Sir Alex Ferguson so profoundly did for 20 of his 26-and-a-half years as Red Devils boss.Their activity in the transfer market will be pivotal in a potential resurgence for this second half of the season, with Ander Herrera, Sven Bender and Leighton Baines all possible targets for the current champions.

Three, is the magic number: Suarez is certainly magical

On the plus side, the season so far has been nothing short of exciting. Liverpool's Luis Suarez has scored 20 goals in 15 league games so far, following his return from his 10 match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic. Kopites have been left in awe and all the more re-assured of his future, following his signing of a new contract. Mesut Ozil has settled in well at Arsenal and without doubt, made the right choice to leave Real Madrid last summer. Wayne Rooney has been the stand-out performer at Man United, but the focus has predominantly been on Adnan Januzaj, who has hitherto been impressive for the Red Devils and could be a prodigy for England if he chooses to play for them - if not, then either one of Belgium, Albania, Turkey, Serbia or Croatia. Speaking of prodigies, Ross Barkley's displays for Everton have not gone unnoticed, although The Toffees will be fighting to keep him. Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas have been nothing short of impressive for Manchester City, who are the bookies' favourites to claim the title in May. Chelsea's strikers have stuttered this season, with Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o only scoring 7 league goals between them. Jose Mourinho says that he doesn't need to purchase a striker this transfer window, but could still delve into the market for the likes of Diego Costa, Leandro Damiao and could re-call Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Wishing all readers a Happy New Year.

CREDITS:

Vincent Tan Picture http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02698/tan_2698722b.jpg

Luis Suarez picture http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02714/luis-suarez_2714818b.jpg