EPL 2020/21, A Gaze

The big night for the English Premier League fans is finally here. Last season will be remembered for the dominance of Liverpool and effects of Covid-19. Liverpool had some astonishing run in the recent seasons with the Champions League triumph in 2018/19 and long awaited English Premiership this year (their 1^st title in the Premier League era). Every new season has a different story and EPL, as said to be one of the most competitive league in the world surely shall unfold beautiful footballing anecdotes again. The traditional top four: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have had tough contention with Leicester City, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur etc. in the gone decade; Manchester City has totally outclassed the traditional superiority of EPL in this period. These teams will certainly surround the sphere of the upcoming league but it remains to see which one of them will be on the focal point throughout. We have witnessed several switch in the summer transfer. Summer transfer is actually what shapes the season’s prospects and clubs performances.

Manchester City-Lionel Messi saga heated the football more than anything a week back but that seems to have rested for now. The maiden premiership of Liverpool and Arsenal's heroic at the FA Cup final have been silenced too. The hot topic of this period undoubtedly has to be the transfer business being led by Chelsea. Chelsea have made some great inputs in their team including the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz for offensive roles whereas Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr for the defensive opt. They have spent more than 220 million Euros to land four players among six as Silva and Malang have arrived on free transfers. Chelsea's legend cum manager Frank Lampard looks quite pumped up with the solid transfer interactions.

Manchester United had a wonderful spell particularly after the resumption of coronavirus break, cementing their spot for the upcoming UCL. Portuguese attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes made an instant impact for the club after his arrival in January. Martial, Marcus and Mason, the 3M of Manchester United finally seem to have found their proper responsibility and perform accordingly. This has to be the brightest delights for the red devils in recent past. Albeit they failed to capitalize on semifinals of FA cup, Europa League, League Cup in a single season, which is utterly disappointing.

Mikel Arteta, ex-Arsenal player turned boss is certainly motivated with the FA cup and Community Shield victory. Arsenal had a mediocre display not even making into qualifiers of Europa League. On one hand, eighth spot is frustrating for the gunners whereas on other hand they can entirely focus on national league. The incumbent captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has turned into gold following his two years of stay at the north-London club. Aubameyang unquestionably would be the vigorous force for Arteta and the team.

Both Aresnal and Manchester United coaches are struggling to fit into the void left by their legendary manager Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson respectively.

Leaving the Messi turmoil aside, Manchester City will be hit hard by the absence of their veteran playmaker cum Captain David Silva and German winger Leroy Sane in the 2020/21 season. Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake are the only mentionable name they have brought in till now; not to forget the fierce power-plays City can produce with the combo of De Bruyne, Aguero, Sterling et al. Peculiarly, De Bruyne has to be one of the supreme player of modern times, hats off to his unmatchable assisting ability and attacking attribute. The defending champion Liverpool looks certainly satisfied with their current squad. Why won't they be? The glory has returned to the Merseyside club which will definitely leave them elated for long. The other Merseyside club Everton will look forward to perform better after the reunification of their boss Carlo Ancelotti and '14 World Cup hero James Rodriguez.

It shall be interesting to see the tactics played by Jose Mourinho, the special one. Harry Kane has already returned from serious injury and will attempt to find his form back with Tottenham Hotspur. Likewise, the impact of South Korean national Son Hueng-min is still expected to be on the line for the club. It is hoped that Matt Doherty, a right-back departing from Wolves to Spurs will be a boon for the Premier League proven coach, Mourinho.

Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fullham are the three clubs being promoted this season to EPL. Leeds United among them is the one most sought after club as they have returned to the top flight after a whooping period of 16 years. Leeds played exceptionally well in the championship to make it to the EPL, not to forget the managerial leadership of Marcelo Biesla in the process. Leeds share rivalry with few teams in the top flight. Moreover, the heftiness is anticipated when they face Manchester United on the 19^th of December.  

The transfer window closes on 5^th of October so we can still expect some hither and thither of the players till that period. The enthralling season shall entertain for the next ten months with the home and away fixtures. Unlike other leagues, the best part about Premier League has always been its unpredictability. The weekends will again be full of footballing joys and energies.