Can Man Utd Improve Away From Home To Fend Off Man City's Title Charge?

We are now approaching 2011 and the midpoint of the Premier League season. The season to date has seen some very interesting results, but where is the Premier League title going to end up? Man Utd's sheer resilience and ability to not be beaten sees them at the peak of what I consider to be the most hotly contested Premier League title since it began. The blue half of Manchester will be buoyed by the fact that they are sitting on level points with United; despite United having two games in hand at this stage. So, if we are to believe the words of Man City's First Team Coach Brian Kidd then the title is Man Utd's to be lost, but where could it be lost?

United have gone about their business almost quietly this season. Whilst the focus of many articles in the media and blogs alike has focused on Chelsea's faltering form, or Arsenal's evident inconsistency or on the crisis at Liverpool, few have focused on the fact that Man Utd remain unbeaten going into 2011!

Man Utd have been a formidable force at home this season. Photo: Zimbio.

Aston Villa - Tough Times Lie Ahead As Houllier Loses The Fans

Following the scenes at Anfield on Monday night, Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is not a popular figure amongst the Villa faithful. His widely reported comments following Villa's 3-0 loss to Liverpool were a final kick in the teeth to fans who have been given nothing to cheer about recently. Houllier's job has now been made a great deal harder. Not only does he need to somehow haul Aston Villa from the wrong end of the Premier League table; he must now tackle scathing Villa fans who feel his loyalties in some ways remain on Merseyside. 

Houllier was welcomes back by the Anfield faithful, but quickly dismissed by angry Villa fans. Photo: AFP

Toon Soon? - Newcastle Chairman Mike Ashley Sacks Chris Hughton

This afternoon it took an announcement on Radio 5-Live to realise that the game we so rightly love is becoming stranger and stranger by the day. This afternoons news that Chris Hughton has been sacked as Newcastle manager is bewildering to me. I intend to focus on the reasons behind the sacking and what lies in store forthe club for the remainder of the season. I’d also welcome the opinions of Newcastle fans and football fans alike on the fickle nature of the business these days.

Let’s focus simply on facts to begin with. Newcastle United lie 11th in the Premier League table this afternoon, having taken 19 points from their opening 16 games. The club lie 5th in the ‘Goals Scored’ table, with 24 goals. They have conceded 25 goals in 16 games so far this season, which is 7th best in the Premier League. Perhaps crucially the club lie 17th in the Form Guide (based on the last 6 games). This is for me the reason why Chris Hughton has lost his job this afternoon. Form is an unbelievably powerful tool by which to judge the success of a Manager in football. Whilst some may argue that this is entirely accurate, others would suggest that their are many more factors by which to determine success.

Chris Hughton will no doubt feel bitterly disappointed at the sacking. Photo: NUFC.co.uk.

Arsenal - Superb Samir Nasri Covers Up Arsenal's Frailties For Now

Last week I posted an article focusing on how Arsenal may suffer in the absence of Cesc Fabregas. Today's 2-1 victory over Fulham has not changed my mind on Arsenal completely, however I feel compelled to write an article focusing on where Arsenal are getting it right; and where they are still lacking in my opinion. I would welcome the opinions of Arsenal fans and football fans alike in determining how the clubs' fortunes may pan out over the remainder of the season.

Samir Nasri has been in scintillating form this term. Photo: Daily Telegraph Online.

Hardest Football Players...Do Any Exist In The Premier League These Days?

It is an age-old debate that is still discussed amongst many football fans. Who is the hardest player in the Premier League? Whilst I realise the article topic is a little diluted, I do think it is worth talking about; if simply for entertainment value. I also value the thoughts of football fans who may enlighten me on how a player is judged to be 'HARD' these days. I intend to focus on the Premier League's hardest players from my era (90's, 00's) and decide if the cliché is a thing of the past. I would also appreciate some feedback on hardest football players from back in the day (circa 60's and 70's) and how these players have been given such a prestigious label!

Was Duncan Ferguson the hardest player ever to grace the Premier League? Photo: Daily Mail.

Arsenal - Could Fabregas Absence Damage Arsenal's Season Further? Can Spurs Capitlaise?

Arsenal fans will undoubtedly agree with me when I say that Cesc Fabregas is one of the greatest Midfield talents the Premier League will see. A domineering Midfielder so comfortable on the ball he can make an experienced crop of Midfielder's look shabby. I think Fabregas is what really makes Arsenal tick, which is why I believe his reoccurring hamstring injury could prove very costly for Arsenal this season. Tottenham fans will be licking their lips when they see big names like Fabregas forced to watch from the sidelines because I feel Arsenal are the only team to stop Spurs breaking into this season's top three.

Will the Fabregas injury continue to stop Arsenal getting into their rhythm? Photo: Football News.