Il Mediano
Registered User
- Feb 24, 2018
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- 690
Nah, it's a 5 team battle for 4 spots. On paper, Spurs are the least talented IMO. Especially with thos stretches without Kane. Liverpool is also not top 2 on talent alone.
Of course they're 1 point off. But they're on an awful dynamic.
In their last 10 games, they have 5 wins, including an awful 2-1 win against Malmo, a scrappy 2-1 win over Newcastle and gimme win over Sheffield.
Basically, they beat Spurs in the return cup game and Huddersfield. Other were unimpressive wins.
They also got beaten 5 times in those 10 games, including against rivals Arsenal, Spurs, City and United. And of course that 0-4 defeat against mighy Bournemouth.
Even if you want to dig in previous results. Outside of easy cup wins, they only barely beat Watford (2-1), Palace (1-0) and Brighton (2-1). While losing to Leicester and tying Mold Vidi and Southampton.
Since they beat City, they've been sick. And they still have to play City, Liverpool, Spurs and United.
If their form continues, they won't even contend for top4. Which is absolutely scandalous.
Right now , but Arsenal theoretically , will rebound. What I'm saying is that every year , 2 major clubs will miss out , and that doesn't mean it's necessarily a failure. It's really damn hard in the Prem.
Spurs have a great side. I wouldn't underrate them at all. And whatever you think about their talent level, they have the benefit of long-term continuity. Which can overcome a lack of talent (which, imo, is arguable).
You can look at rosters on a piece of paper , and deem expectations from it, but that's not how football works. It's more than names , and the judgement of said names can be supremely misguided.
You say Liverpool doesn't have top 2 talent , but then why are they top of the league and a recent CL finalist? Could be because they gave a manager time to imprint his ethos , and to find the pieces that fit his tactics/philosophy? Why doesn't Sarri get that opportunity?
Yes, Chelsea's form is worrisome. Yes, they perhaps aren't operating at their full potential. But no, that doesn't mean Sarri is the wrong manager for the club long-term. And no, it doesn't mean a pragmatic manager could challenge for a title. I don't think any manager in the world could get this current edition of Chelsea to win a league --- or even truly challenge. When considering context, they're pretty much exactly where I thought they'd be.
The issues at Chelsea run much deeper than Sarri , but people are definitely using him as the fall-guy. Roman has checked out , and their transfer business has been brutal in recent times.
Is it a coincidence that the top 3 teams have sustainable programs and elite managers they've allowed time to?
I think not.