League title still in reach for plucky United
Manchester United can still win the Premier League title.
That statement might sound preposterous, with Louis van Gaal’s side winless in three games and sitting 12 points off the leaders, but hear me out.
What United have going for them is what Liverpool benefitted from last season – the absence of European competition. Liverpool were sixth on January 11, 2014, seven points off top spot before going on an unbeaten run of 14 wins in 16 games, with their rivals distracted in Europe, and almost taking the title.
Its not inconceivable that United could do the same.
The main issue has been that Van Gaal is still trying to mould a cohesive side. Though it has all come together nicely on a few occasions, games such as Sunday’s defeat at home to Southampton show how disjointed the Dutchman’s tactics can look.
But with Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Juan Mata, there is no denying that United have the potential to destroy teams up front if they can click.
What better chance to find form than the next six games – Queens Park Rangers away, Leicester City home, West Ham United (A), Burnley (H), Swansea City (A), Sunderland (H). A couple of tricky ones, but they could realistically win all six.
Manchester City have to take on Barcelona over two legs in the Uefa Champions League – a draining experience – and they will fancy their chances of progressing. Chelsea are favourites to beat Paris Saint-Germain and reach the last eight. There is a high probability of dropped points around those European games.
That will be United’s chance to catch up.
Arsenal attack taking shape
Arsene Wenger has so many fancy midfielders that you wonder how he picks a team, but the Arsenal manager seems to have found the perfect one-two punch in Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing either side of the striker.
Sanchez is world class, one of the best players in the league this season, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is like a mini version of the Chilean. The way they burst onto the ball and accelerate makes them so dangerous. Both have superb close control, and Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to be fulfilling his potential .
If both play at Manchester City on Sunday, they could be Arsenal’s best chance of a victory. The London side will likely be looking to play a counter-attack game and hit City with a sucker punch.
Bony signing makes sense
When Manchester City complete their move for Swansea striker Wilfried Bony, it will be a reminder of how effective a tall, strong, "traditional" striker can be in English football – see Peter Crouch, Christian Benteke or Andy Carroll.
Bony should bag a hatful of goals in Manchester, but it is Sergio Aguero who will benefit the most. City can be devastating playing 4-5-1 with Aguero up front and three attacking midfielders, but sometimes they stall on the edge of the box.
Bony gives them a more direct option and a chance to play 4-4-2. He is a fine target man, has a delicate touch and shoots on sight. City obviously think he is an upgrade on Edin Dzeko and might be be the missing link in their title challenge.
twoods@thenational.ae
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