Having shared my thoughts on Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool yesterday, today's the turn of the Southern half of "the big-6" covering Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal.
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Chelsea (4th)
It was a season of 2 halves for Chelsea with Frank Lampard's inconsistency replaced by Thomas Tuchel's ruthless efficiency. When Lampard got sacked, I was surprised, wondering what Chelsea's expectations were. Having seen what Tuchel's achieved since demonstrates why sentiment / loyalty in football (with the exception of fans) is non-existent.
One particular highlight has seen Mason Mount transition from a good Championship Player last season to an England international heading off to the Euros. He's a remarkable story considering the swathes of young English prospects that rot in Chelsea's reserves and loan system and it was Lampard who played a significant role in making this happen. If Lampard hadn't given Mount the platform at Derby and subsequently Chelsea, I wonder if he'd be as well known as he has become.
I also believe Chelsea have a lot to be optimistic about for next season if they can carry on the momentum. Werner can't possibly be as bad unlucky as he has been this season and if they can maintain Tuchel's solidity, they could well be challenging for the title.
Verdict: Disappointed with the league position but won't care too much because they won the Champions League (I think there's an article in World of Football about this)
Spurs (7th)
Having secured the loan of Gareth Bale for the season, the prospect of Bale, Alli, Son and Kane was a mouth watering one. But fitness issues with Bale and Alli's poor form / attitude, it was only once Mourinho had got the sack (again) that we got to see what we'd been hoping for. Back in December, Kane and Son were incredibly efficient - they shot, they scored and Spurs were sitting pretty at the top of the league. Mourinho was special again.
When you're top of the league, fans accept the dog shit being dished up on a weekly basis. When you're not, the sack finds you incredibly quickly and you're sent packing, £30m richer.
Things have been difficult since Pochettino left so I've no doubt the fans will be excited to hear the rumours of his return. The big question that hangs over the club though is that of Harry Kane. It's been widely reported that he wants to leave for a Premier League rival and knowing Daniel Levy, it'll be for a whopping transfer fee. Enough perhaps for a new manager to rebuild a squad which from the outside appears to be a pretty poor one and a long way off being title contenders.
Verdict: Disappointed to only achieve a Europe League Conference spot but pleased that Arsenal didn't (and pleased to finish above them for the 5th season in a row) 🤣
Arsenal (8th)
An 8th placed finish for the 2nd season in a row and still considered in "the big-6". For how much longer I wonder.
Ever since Wenger left, Arsenal appear to have lost their identity. For 22 years Arsenal played a style of football focussed around the edge of the opponents penalty area until the opportunity to walk the ball into the net appeared. Now in a difficult period of transition, I'm unsure how wise it is to be sticking by Mikel Arteta and his vision. I'm delighted that they're giving him time, but this is the worse season I can remember Arsenal having since Stewart Houston (who?) was their manager - even Bruce Rioch finished 5th.
Somewhat strangely though, I think Arsenal fans have a lot to be optimistic about. They have a young squad built around home-grown talent. The likes of Saka and Smith-Rowe have shown quality to go with their potential and if Lacazette can find some consistency and Aubameyang can find some way of ignoring his big-money contract, they have real attacking potential. It's that block at the back that's their weakness though. Leno doesn't fill me with confidence and although Holding's had a decent season, their centre backs don't belong in the Champions League. I can't even tell you who the ball winning midfielder is. Xhaka? Partey? There's no "edge" in there which you need at a top club.
Verdict: Disappointed to miss out on European football for the 1st time in 15 years 😮
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