If we closely look at last few premier league seasons, there is at least one thing in common, i.e., no defender could repeat its earlier form no matter how big names it carried with it and it holds true even today when Leicester City is nowhere among the top ten despite having been the rule changer last year.
Anyways, if we talk about who could be the title holder this year, everyone has a different view: while some say it is the Man City who could regain its lost pride while there are many who are betting for Liverpool who started an impressive transformation in the last season itself and this year too they have started well with a comfortable position on the second position of the leaderboard. Reds yesterday win over West Brom by 2-1 at home was the one that forced Baggies boss Tony Pulis to praise the form they shown against them and why they should win the current English title. It is uncommon in soccer these days to see a losing boss is so appreciating his opponents especially when his side was so close to win but after witnessing a quality attacking football with an impressive forward line led by the imperious Coutinho, he may have changed his mind.
If we look at the course of the game, hosts earned the early lead with superb duo of Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane in the first half itself and Gareth McAuley‘s second-half strike offered some resistance which was enough to deprive Liverpool from the top of the leaderboard. Anyhow, what Pulis said about the Reds, is, “They’re a good side, with the players they’ve got and on the bench, they’ve got a clear run at this title. When you look at the clubs that have played in Europe, they’ve got a real chance this year.
“Their front five are as good as anything in the league. They have got a free run at it this year. They are not in Europe, which is draining. Last time they came close with Brendan, he had a free run. This team has a chance. We are disappointed first half. At 2-0 down you are staring down a barrel.
“We lack certain qualities in certain areas which we will try and address but you can never fault the players’ attitude and their willingness to have a go and never give up.”