The biggest fears of the Premier League’s big 6
By Taylor Laabs
With Halloween upon us, we take a look at the biggest fears of the Premier League’s big six clubs.
Folks, it’s Halloween. Whether you’re celebrating the weekend before, after or smack dab on the day itself, there’s plenty of opportunity for thrills this year. If you’ve watched the Premier League this season, you’ve probably encountered several thrilling matches and a few face-melting goals. Ten games into the season, teams are beginning to fortify their narrative for the season, whether that be title contention, mid-table security or a relegation fight.
Once again, the big six are separating themselves from the rest. Manchester City and Liverpool look like the best two teams in the league, but Tottenham remain a threat, while Chelsea and Arsenal are ahead of schedule under new managers. Manchester United are the only big six side to have struggled this season, but even they seem to be getting back on track after a poor start.
That said, none of these teams are perfect — not even City. And so, in honor of Halloween, we take a look at their biggest fears. A weakness in the squad, a problem with the way the team is managed, over-reliance on individual players: Here’s what’s scaring the Premier League’s big six.
Manchester City: Lack of depth in holding midfield
What’s to fear for a team that has everything? Pep Guardiola’s men have been firing on all cylinders sans an early season blip against Wolves. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus continue to score, the duo of Bernardo and David Silva continue to facilitate and the defense has taken a critical step forward with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte emerging as the first-choice center-back pairing.
One area that has been under the spotlight for this team is their wing production. With Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and now Riyad Mahrez all aboard, many in the media expect huge goal and assist tallies from these three. The movement has definitely been there, with Sterling in particular going from strength to strength. Add in the supreme crossing ability of Benjamin Mendy, and City are a terror for any opposing side.
With all of this talent and a champion’s mentality, what could possibly scare this team? While Manchester City have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking midfield space, their depth at holding midfield is surprisingly lacking, with the aging Fernandinho holding down the primary role. One injury to the Brazilian or a sudden drop in form could leave City in dire straights, as opposing teams would look to run rampant on the paper-thin midfield. It’s a small worry, but still something worth keeping an eye on, especially as City continue their busy fixture list.
Look for the Citizens to test the winter transfer window to try to find a suitable backup for Fernadinho. Having missed out on Jorginho, Manchester City will be in the market to splash large amounts of cash on a player who can further evolve their holding midfield position.