- Mar 15, 2008
- 7,256
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So we have lots of threads about our squad now after the window and weather we are stronger or weaker.
Setting that aside, I think its also important to look at how our closest rivals have done in the transfer window.
In comparison to Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and even United I think we have strengthened slightly, and I hope that this puts us in a stronger position for that coveted 4th spot.
Personally I think United will not do as well this season, and the top two will be City and Chelsea. I see the next couple of spots contested by United, Arsenal, us, and strangely Everton.
Whilst weaker, I think United still have the Fergie factor, experience, and that grit and determination on their side. RVP is undoubtedly a great player, but his injury record will forever haunt him. And how does his arrival affect the fat one? Certainly Rooney didn't look too happy to be sat on the bench last week, but the injury takes care of that question for a few weeks. And Kigawa looks useful, but he is one new midfielder in a midfield that was in decline IMO.
Arsenal are very much an unknown quantity at the moment. They have a new forward line which could turn out to be crap or brilliant. Cazorla looks very good already and many on here said early in the window that they would love us to buy Giroud. Time will tell with the Arse.
Liverpool have definitely got a good player in Sahin, but have only two forwards, one of whom is new although well thought of by all accounts. Personally I think they look poor in midfield and defence and Lucas is back out until Christmas, but I won't rule out an improvement in the way they play as I do think they have a bloody good manager in Brendan Rodgers.
Newcastle will still be a threat with players like Cisse and Ba, but I think they punched above their weight last season and might just get found out this season.
Everton worry me. They traditionally start really poorly and can still manage respectable places in the table at the end. So far they have started brilliantly. They have Pienaar back, and Fellaini has been brilliant so far. Thay have brought in a couple of new faces, not well known to me, but Moyes is no fool. Definitely a team to watch.
City will be City, and Chelsea's only weak link for me is Di Matteo. Yes, they got thumped last night, but they have a hell of a midfield and Torres is firing again. I suppose if Torres gets injured then they could have a problem, and he certainly has that history of injuries. But they do look strong.
So by comparison I think we have done quite well and suspect that both Arsenal and Liverpool will look upon our transfer window with some jealousy. I know many United fans are gutted that they didn't get Dembele. but we also have question marks, new players, new manager, new system it seems. Time will tell and I'm not prepared to stick my neck on the line and predict where we will finish, but I'm optimistic
These are only my opinions of our rivals summer activity, but I'd love to hear your opinions...
Setting that aside, I think its also important to look at how our closest rivals have done in the transfer window.
In comparison to Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and even United I think we have strengthened slightly, and I hope that this puts us in a stronger position for that coveted 4th spot.
Personally I think United will not do as well this season, and the top two will be City and Chelsea. I see the next couple of spots contested by United, Arsenal, us, and strangely Everton.
Whilst weaker, I think United still have the Fergie factor, experience, and that grit and determination on their side. RVP is undoubtedly a great player, but his injury record will forever haunt him. And how does his arrival affect the fat one? Certainly Rooney didn't look too happy to be sat on the bench last week, but the injury takes care of that question for a few weeks. And Kigawa looks useful, but he is one new midfielder in a midfield that was in decline IMO.
Arsenal are very much an unknown quantity at the moment. They have a new forward line which could turn out to be crap or brilliant. Cazorla looks very good already and many on here said early in the window that they would love us to buy Giroud. Time will tell with the Arse.
Liverpool have definitely got a good player in Sahin, but have only two forwards, one of whom is new although well thought of by all accounts. Personally I think they look poor in midfield and defence and Lucas is back out until Christmas, but I won't rule out an improvement in the way they play as I do think they have a bloody good manager in Brendan Rodgers.
Newcastle will still be a threat with players like Cisse and Ba, but I think they punched above their weight last season and might just get found out this season.
Everton worry me. They traditionally start really poorly and can still manage respectable places in the table at the end. So far they have started brilliantly. They have Pienaar back, and Fellaini has been brilliant so far. Thay have brought in a couple of new faces, not well known to me, but Moyes is no fool. Definitely a team to watch.
City will be City, and Chelsea's only weak link for me is Di Matteo. Yes, they got thumped last night, but they have a hell of a midfield and Torres is firing again. I suppose if Torres gets injured then they could have a problem, and he certainly has that history of injuries. But they do look strong.
So by comparison I think we have done quite well and suspect that both Arsenal and Liverpool will look upon our transfer window with some jealousy. I know many United fans are gutted that they didn't get Dembele. but we also have question marks, new players, new manager, new system it seems. Time will tell and I'm not prepared to stick my neck on the line and predict where we will finish, but I'm optimistic
These are only my opinions of our rivals summer activity, but I'd love to hear your opinions...