Premier League Preview: Sunderland - West Ham
Part III: Sunderland, Swansea, Spurs, WBA and West Ham
SUNDERLAND AFC
Club
Nickname: The Black Cats
Founded:
1879, as ‘Sunderland and
District Teachers’
Ground:
Stadium of Light
Manager:
Gustavo Poyet
Captain:
John O’Shea
Last
Season: 14th
It was a
topsy-turvy season for Sunderland last year, to say the least. They
started the season with unorthodox Italian, Paolo DiCanio, at the
helm, having opted to stick with the former Swindon boss after he
successfully kept them in the Premier League the previous season, a
0-3 win over rivals, Newcastle, the highlight. However, come October,
DiCanio was gone and former Brighton manager and Chelsea hero,
Gustavo Poyet took charge. Summer signings weren’t proving
particularly successful, Altidore and Giaccherini struggling to make
an impact and, while performances improved under Poyet, Sunderland
were still bottom at Christmas.
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| Could Fabio Borini be signing this summer? |
Post-New Year, however, as with the
performances, results improved. Liverpool loanee, Fabio Borini, hit
form and Vito Mannone drastically improved his ‘keeping game (both
were rewarded at the end of the season with the Young Player and
Player of the Year awards, respectively. A gradual rise up the table
leading to a 14th
place finish plus a Capital One Cup final loss against Manchester
City saw what could have been a disastrous season for the Black Cats
turn into a relatively successful one.
So can they
improve upon Poyet’s first season in charge? Despite the
disappointing loss of Jack Colback to Newcastle, the signings of
Costel Pantilimon, Jordi Gomez and Billy Jones are all very astute –
Premier League-proven players such as these could prove vital should
Sunderland be involved in another relegation scrap. Patrick van
Aanholt for an undisclosed fee from Chelsea could also prove an
impressive addition to the squad, highly rated by the Vitesse
management he played under on loan last season. The most recent
edition of Jack Rodwell could also be a fantastic signing –
Sunderland will hope that his injuries are far less often than they
were during his spell in Manchester.
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| FA Cup victory in 1973 |
I doubt
Sunderland can do much better than manager Gus Poyet. His chance
finally came in the Premier League after a successful stint in the
Championship with Brighton & Hove Albion came to an unfortunately
bitter end, and he’s done as good a job as he, the Sunderland board
and Sunderland fans could have imagined.
ONE TO WATCH: If Fabio Borini does in
fact arrive, he could well prove a valuable asset, so too Rodwell and
Steven Fletcher if they stay fit but I’m going to say Connor
Wickham (should he stay – he’s been subject to a £5M bid from
West Ham in recent days). Scintillating goal-scoring form towards the
back end of last season showed why he was so highly rated at Ipswich.
The young Englishman will have an eye on the England set-up after a
World Cup lacking in goals for England.
Ins:
Costel Pantilimon (Man City,
Free); Billy Jones (West Bromwich Albion, Free); Jordi Gomez (Wigan,
Free); Patrick van Aanholt (Chelsea, Undisclosed); Jack Rodwell
(Manchester City, £10M)
Outs:
Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday, Free); David Vaughan
(Nottingham Forrest, Free); Nacho Scocco (Newells Old Boys,
Undisclosed); Jordan Pickford (Carlisle United, Loan); Craig Lynch
(Rochdale, Free); Louis Laing (Nottingham Forest, Free); Billy Knott
(Bradford City, Free); Scott Harrison (Hartlepool United, Loan);
Craig Gardner (West Bromwich Albion, Free); John Egan (Southend
United, Loan); Jack Colback (Newcastle United, Free); Phil Bardsley
(Stoke City, Free)
VERDICT: A couple of more summer
signings – including the almost inevitable arrival of Fabio Borini
on a permanent deal from Liverpool for £14M – should stand
Sunderland in good stead to reach midtable this year and, at a push,
maybe compete for a domestic trophy or a Europa League spot. It’s
hard to guess where exactly a midtable team will finish, but I’m
going for 11th.. Ben - 15th, Gareth - 13th, Christian - 16th, Huw - 11th
SWANSEA CITY AFC
Club
Nickname: The Jacks/The Swans
Founded:
1912 as ‘Swansea Town’
Ground:
Liberty Stadium
Manager:
Gary Monk
Captain:
Ashley Williams
Last
Season: 12th
There’s
not much to say about Swansea’s campaign in the 2013/14 season:
they dropped one place from Christmas to the final day and sacked the
first manager to win them silverware in their 102-year history. For
the fans, it probably took a little too long to confirm their place
in the Premier League for the following season. Reaction was mixed to
the appointment of Gary Monk in place of Michael Laudrup, but it was
seen as a reasonably sensible choice: we will see how sensible as
this season progresses.
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| Swansea had the occasional good moment last season |
The loss of
Vorm and Davies could prove problematic for the Swans – while Neil
Taylor is an apt-enough replacement for the latter, Vorm’s
exceptional shot-stopping ability and his wonderful control and
distribution was suited perfectly to Swansea’s game – Łukasz
Fabiański seems set to replace Vorm in the starting XI, but whether
he’ll be able to make the step up from back-up ‘keeper to regular
starter is another matter. Formerly of Cardiff City, now of Celtic,
fullback Adam Matthews has been linked as a potential Ben Davies
replacement: this could be a very shrewd signing, as Matthews is
still young and was seen as an excellent talent at Cardiff.
Former Swan
Gylfi Sigurdsson has returned from Tottenham and I see this as a very
good signing for Gary Monk’s men. Jonathon de Guzmán’s return
after his second loan spell leaves a gaping hole in midfield – a
Sigurdsson-sized hole. His balance, control and ability to bring the
play forward from any position across the midfield could be vital for
Swansea next year, with the likes of Routledge and Dyer also proving
important in providing new signing Bafetimbi Gomis and, should he
stay, Wilfried Bony, with the assists they require.
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| Toshack's Swans c.1980 |
The one
position that needs strengthening, especially as it seems Chico
Flores could be leaving the club to join Michael Laudrup in Qatar, is
the centre back role next to captain, Ashley Williams. Someone like
Michael Dawson, whom Tottenham seem happy to sell, could make a good
partner for Williams, and provide a decent balance to an
ever-changing Swansea back four.
ONE TO WATCH: I was a big fan of
Bafetimbi Gomis at Lyon – he came into his own after the loss of
Karim Benzema to Real Madrid 2009, but his form has dropped in the
last season or two. A move on a free to Swansea could see his career
revitalised – Swansea fans will certainly hope so, especially if
Wilfried Bony is on his way out. Gylfi Sigurdsson is also sure to
make a positive impact in his second spell at the Liberty Stadium –
I expect him to slip smoothly back into the side and help Swansea
stay in the Premier League for their fifth consecutive season.
Ins:
Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough,
Loan); Łukasz Fabianski (Arsenal, Free); Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon,
Free); Raheem Hanley (Blackburn Rovers, Undisclosed); Gylfi
Sigurdsson (Tottenham Hotspur, Undisclosed)
Outs:
Daniel Alfei (Northampton
Town, Loan); Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur, £10M); Gwion Edwards
(Crawley Town, Loan); Curtis Obeng (Stevenage, Loan); Alejandro
Pozuelo (Rayo Vallecano, Undisclosed); Michel Vorm (Tottenham
Hotspur, £5M)
VERDICT:
I wouldn’t say I rate Gary Monk particularly highly
managerial-wise, but clearly no one at the club felt Michael Laudrup
was succeeding and Monk has instilled a sense of passion at the club
once more. With a stable squad and solid new signings, Swansea should
be fine in terms of relegation – I see this being a season where
they just try and finish as high as possible, and to hope for some
upsets against the bigger sides: 14th. Ben - 9th, Gareth - 10th, Christian - 12th, Huw - 14th
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
Club
Nickname: Spurs
Founded:
1882 as ‘Hotspur FC’
Ground:
White Hart Lane
Manager:
Mauricio Pochettino
Captain:
Michael Dawson
Last
Season: 6th
Last season
simply wasn’t good enough for Tottenham’s high standards, and
especially after the amount of money they spent. Gareth Bale’s £85M
exit initiated a buying frenzy reaching £100M on the likes of Eric
Lamela from Roma, Christian Eriksen from Ajax and Roberto Soldado
from Valencia. It’s fair to say most of the signings disappointed –
Christian Eriksen was the exception; £10M seems a bargain given the
goals, assists and all round creativity he provided for Spurs’
midfield. Spurs will be hoping that the players that disappointed so
much last season under Andre Villas Boas and Tim Sherwood can perform
under Mauricio Pochettino, and that the integration of new signings
might be slightly more successful.
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| Sometimes the new signings worked... |
In
Pochettino, Tottenham have a talented, young manager who has proven
himself at his two high-profile clubs so far, in Espanyol and
Southampton. More importantly, however, his achievements at
Southampton – exceeding all expectations by finishing 8th
last season – make him Premier League-proven. His free-flowing,
attacking style should suit the likes of Eriksen and, Tottenham fans
will hope, the likes of Lamela who failed to impress last year. In
fact, Eric Lamela only played in the Premier League on three
occasions, with no goals and just one assist to his name –
something Pochettino will surely seek to improve.
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| Spurs were the first non-league team to win the FA Cup |
Spurs’
lack of success in competitions besides the Premier League in recent
years must bother fans. Their 5-1 semi-final loss to Chelsea in
2011/12 in the FA Cup is the furthest they’ve reached since, having
been beaten in the fourth and third rounds in following years, and
their attempts in the Europa League and the Capital One Cup have been
similarly unsuccessful – could Pochettino be thinking about
attempting a cup run in order to win over Spurs fans? I should think
that, after such a dismal season last year, a Europa League finish
and a trophy would be seen as a successful season under the new boss.
ONE TO WATCH: I’m intrigued by a
number of players in the Spurs squad this year: after Hugo Lloris
signed a new, long-term contract at the start of the summer, where
does new signing Michel Vorm fit in? How will last year’s flops
perform this year? However, my one to watch in the Spurs team is
their star performer from last season, Christian Eriksen. He should
thrive under Pochettino’s playing style and could reach double
figures in terms of goals and assists this year. His performances
will be crucial if Spurs are to succeed this season.
Ins: Ben
Davies (Swansea City, £10M); Michael Vorm (Swansea City, £5M); Eric
Dier (Sporting Lisbon, £4M); DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders, Undisc)
Outs:
Kevin Stewart (Liverpool, Free); Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City,
Undisclosed); Alex Pritchard (Brentford, Loan); Jonathon Obika
(Charlton Athletic, Loan); Kenny McEvoy (Peterborough United, Loan);
Jake Livermore (Hull City, Undisclosed); Grant Hall (Birmingham City,
Loan); Heurelho Gomes (Watford, Free); Shaquile Coulthirst (Torquay
United, Loan)
VERDICT:
It should be a happier season for Spurs fans this year; they seem far
more settled with Pochettino and, should they bring in a new centre
back (Villarreal’s Mateo Musacchio has been heavily linked) and a
versatile striker to compliment Soldado and Adebayor (Jay Rodriguez
of Southampton is a possibility), they should give teams are harder
time than last year. I can see them competing with Everton for a
Europa League spot, but I expect them to do well in Europe and in
domestic competitions this year. 7th. Ben - 7th, Gareth - 7th, Christian - 6th, Huw - 7th
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Club
Nickname: The Baggies
Founded:
1878 as ‘West Bromwich
Strollers’
Ground:
The Hawthorns
Manager:
Alan Irvine
Captain:
Chris Brunt
Last
Season: 17th
I should
start by saying that I do have a slight agenda against the West Brom
board. Firstly, Steve Clarke was doing a reasonable job – if a
little nervy, hovering two points above relegation – at the helm
and was sacked because, while they “[had]
not had the rub of the green in certain games this season… that
does not cloud the generally disappointing points return during this
calendar year.”
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| Beating United at Old Trafford was 2013/14's high point |
Personally, this was a panic decision after four poor results in a
row, which led to them hiring a manager completely unproven in the
Premier League in Pepe Mel. Here’s the second part of my agenda: I
love Pepe Mel, he’s not only adorable, but he did improve West Brom
and kept them in the Premier League by three clear points. West
Brom’s official statement claims that the parting of manager and
club was “mutual,” but I still very much feel like Mel had
something to offer. Now, here they are stranded with another unproven
manager in an attempt to keep them in the toughest league in the
world. Hmm.
They have,
however, made a few very shrewd signings. Young Liverpool fullback,
Andre Wisdom, should provide them with a strong, attacking outlet
from the back as well as a solid defender. Joleon Lescott will also
do the latter, as well as providing experience and leadership –
possibly something West Brom have lacked in previous years. Chris
Baird and Craig Gardner have experience of English football and are
solid signings, while Brown Ideye adds an unfamiliar presence going
forward for opposition defenders to deal with.
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| Relegation battles have become usual practice at The Hawthorns |
Next season
will be the Baggies’ 9th
season in the Premier League since 2002, with their reputation as a
‘yoyo club’ marring this generally successful period in their
history, but I feel like this ‘yoyo’ nature could affect them
once again this year, depending on Irvine’s tactics and how his
squad gels.
ONE TO WATCH: New signings Andre
Wisdom and Brown Ideye are the two I’m particularly interested in.
The former had a very successful loan spell at Derby County in the
Championship last year and this season could have a huge impact on
his future at Liverpool. Brown Ideye is my man to watch, however.
Manager, Alan Irvine, admitted that he hadn’t ever watched Ideye
before breaking the club’s record transfer fee, so it’ll be
interesting to see if it was £10M well spent for the Baggies.
Ins:
Chris Baird (Burnley, Free); Craig Gardner (Sunderland, Free); Brown
Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, £10M); Joleon Lescott (Manchester City, Free);
Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover 96, Undisclosed); Andre Wisdom
(Liverpool, Loan)
Outs:
Donervon Daniels (Blackpool,
Loan); Cameron Gayle (Shrewsbury Town, Free); Billy Jones
(Sunderland, Free); Steven Reid (Burnley, Free); Liam Ridgewell
(Portland Timbers, Free); Markus Rosenberg (Malmo FF, Undisclosed);
George Thorne (Derby County, Undisclosed)
VERDICT: Unfortunately for the Baggies,
I see this as a season too far. Their slightly absurd decision to
sack Steve Clarke while he was doing a decent job, plus the fact that
they obviously weren’t the biggest fans of replacement Pepe Mel,
has led them to selling a whole load of players and hiring a
relatively inexperienced manager. Relegation beckons: 18th. Ben - 18th, Gareth - 18th, Christian - 20th, Huw - 18th
WEST HAM UNITED
Club
Nickname: The Hammers/The
Irons
Founded:
1895 as ‘Thames Ironworks’
Ground:
Upton Park (The Boleyn Ground)
Manager:
Sam Allardyce
Captain:
Kevin Nolan
Last
Season: 13th
Given that
West Ham came under a lot of criticism last season, 13th
isn’t too shabby. Second from bottom at Christmas, Sam Allardyce
turned the season around successfully. For this reason, I’m torn as
to whether I think sacking Big Sam would be a good idea. While his
football is insufferable and, quite frankly, dismal to witness, his
ability to grind out draws and nick wins is proven and successfully
keeps teams in the Premier League. Some say that if West Ham were to
sack Big Sam, they would struggle to stay up – which I tend to
agree with.
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| This season could go either way for the Hammers |
However, last season provided an alternative argument in
Mark Hughes and his Stoke team. Many (including me) thought that the
lack of Tony Pulis’ hard-to-beat, defensive style of play, could
prove a huge disadvantage for Stoke and they might fail to stay in
the league. However, while not their most successful season, Hughes
got them playing nice football and kept them in the league. This
season they’ve signed well (Bojan in particular) and I expect them
to push for a top-half finish. Might West Ham flourish similarly if
they sacked Big Sam and hired a fresh, new manager?
Either way,
West Ham are a team I see struggling. Andy Carroll is a very
important player for them: when he’s fully fit and on form, he’s
ruthless for the Hammers. However, he is – to put it lightly –
injury prone and injured for the first few months of the season.
Enner Valencia has been brought in for £12M in an attempt to ease
the blow, and Connor Wickham is being chased as another option, with
a £5M bid having already been turned down. Should Valencia settle in
well and attain 10-15 Premier League goals, he could go along way in
helping the Hammers retain their Premier League status.
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| West Ham would love to return to the glory of '75 |
Retaining
club regulars – captain, Kevin Nolan, as well as the likes of Mark
Noble and James Tomkins – is important for West Ham in their
attempts to finish as high as possible, too. While new signings can
help to make an impact, a strong, regular spine to the team will be
crucial.
ONE TO WATCH: Enner Valencia. Scorer
of all of Ecuador’s goals at the World Cup, if he makes the
transition to English football as smoothly as compatriot and
namesake, Antonio, did in 2006, Enner Valencia could prove a very
shrewd buy for a West Ham team that struggled for goals last season –
especially given the lack of Andy Carroll for such a long period of
time.
Ins:
Aaron Creswell (Ipswich Town,
Undisclosed); Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, Loan); Cheikhou Kouyate
(Anderlecht, Undisclosed); Diego Poyet (Charlton Athletic, Free);
Enner Valencia (Pachuca, £12M); Mauro Zarate (Velez Sarsfield,
Undisclosed)
Outs:
Joe Cole (Aston Villa, Free);
Jack Collison (Wigan, Loan); Stephen Henderson (Charlton Athletic,
Free); Sean Maguire (Sligo Rovers, Loan); Raphael Spiegel (Crawley
Town, Loan); Matthew Taylor (Burnley, Undisclosed); Blair Turgott
(Dagenham & Redbridge, Loan)
VERDICT:
This season could be a struggle for the Hammers. While they’ve
signed reasonably well, I feel like the fans and the board could get
sick of Big Sam’s playing style and decide to end his tenure: and
I’m sure they’ll regret this by the end of the season. I do,
however, think they might just get away with it: 17th. Ben - 10th, Gareth - 9th, Christian - 8th, Huw - 17th
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