It is clear that Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal – 3 of the “Big 6” teams – have seen uncharacteristic inconsistency in their management, and some have made a switch in their staffing in hopes of propelling their sides to a surprise top-4 finish.
With Ole at Manchester United, Arteta in North London, and Mourinho at Tottenham, who’s in for a Champions League finish?
Let’s go through all three sides, and determine which team has the best chance to finish in the top four:
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Manchester United — Great potential, but (unfortunately) can not win on the big stage:
We all have seen stats of Marcus Rashford surpassing his total goal tally from 2018-19 PL season, Anthony Martial showing up, and youngsters such as Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams emerging; but, one thing that United lacks that will keep them out of the top-4, is leadership.
On top of this, key errors have killed Manchester United this season; whether it be the unusual howlers from De Gea and his game-losing blunder to 19th place Watford, or the ongoing routine of missed penalty kicks – early on in the season. And while their strikers seem pretty good, they do not come close to the League’s best.
Sorry, Manchester United. Just when you thought Ole would prove himself yet again, it seems to me that the Red Devils are heading south from here on out
Tottenham — A whole lot of faith, but Mourinho will not be able to pull this off:
I am only saying less about Tottenham because I do not like them, and their case is pretty simple. Mourinho was hired to rejuvenate this site, and while he has done that, to an extent, this team does not have the power to sneak in front of even Chelsea, who sit in 4th a point ahead of Manchester United.
Their defense is just abominable. Even if they don’t give up so many goals per game, it becomes pretty clear that production can not be started in the backfield with an aging Jan Vertonghen leading the way. I do not see this squad going anywhere with Eriksen likely leaving. Hugo Lloris is out for still some time (although Gazzaniga has been holding his own), and this team can not produce many goals upfront.
I don’t see this side progressing as well, especially with Harry Kane out for some big games in the near future.
Arsenal — Patchy defense, but heating up at just the right time:
I understand it was just a victory at The Emirates against a Manchester United squad, but everything about this game for the Gunners was just how it should be. A stunning performance by Nicolas Pepe, and Granit Xhaka has reconciled with the team, as well as Mesut Ozil finally working his way under Mikel Arteta’s wing.
This side has great potential, and I hope to see young players like Ainsley Maitlin-Niles and Reiss Nelson show up and make a couple of plays for the newly found team in Arsenal. Right now, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang does not show any signs of slowing down, and his work alongside Lacazette may be the perfect combination for Arteta and the Gunners.
The fans behind them have truly bought into this season and hope to bring it back to life; had you been watching the game a couple Sundays ago – you’d see just what I’m talking about.
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This may seem like a stretch, but there is only a 9 point difference between Arsenal and Chelsea, and I think Mikel Arteta is the man to bring a good finish home for Gunner faithful. It truly depends on who is the best coach at the end of June.
P/C: Football365
