We have a look at the performance of top clubs
The year of 2013 has finally dragged into its close,giving the football fans several moments to savor and remember for many years to come.But,the year has been a mixed bag for some clubs,who have enjoyed success and failure in equal share and percentage.Some big transfer deals have taken place and fans have been overwhelmed when those signings have been playing well.We have also seen many managers retire from their thrones to make way for new managers who are very much determined to carry on the legacy of their predecessors.
The response of the players has played a key role in the performance of their clubs and sides like Chelsea were thrilled on hearing the return of "The Happy one"-Jose Mourinho. So,let's analyze the performances of top clubs of Europe-
Spain
FC Barcelona
The Catalans have once again enjoyed a considerably satisfying season on all fronts of the game after former manager Tito Vilanova resigned due to a reported illness.But Barcelona have seemed to defy the criticisms they faced after being handed 7-0 drubbing on aggregate by the then would be European Champions Bayern Munich. But ,they proved their consistency in the transfer market by securing the signature of Neymar,who has been phenomenal for the La Liga Champions but Tito Vilanova's replacement Gerardo Tata Martino actually wanted to sign another marquee player to help his side mount the challenge for the Champions League.The signing of Neymar has proved out to be crucial for them,as star hitman Lionel Messi was sidelined due to a long term injury and the onus fell to the likes of Cesc Fabregas,Pedro and Alexis Sanchez and Neymar.And these guys never gave the Barca faithfuls any reason to complain ,as the Catalans took their top spot in the La Liga standings overtaking arch rivals Real Madrid ,who were beaten 2-1 by them and Atletico Madrid.But Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao turned out to be the only side who overcame the might of the Spanish giants.
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| The Blue-eyed Boy |
They comfortably booked their place in the Round of 16 of the Champions League,despite of being unable to avoid a slipup on the hands of Ajax.They managed to top their Group followed by Ac Milan,who were twice beaten by Tata's formidable side.
Rating-9.5
Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho's much debated and expected departure from the Los Blancos,saw a wild range of managerial rumours go in and out of the window at the Bernabeu but finally former PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti ,quite deservedly was appointed.And his arrival meant that Madrid were successful in signing Tottenham hitman Gareth Bale to their land ,after Spurs agreed a £85.3 million fee for the Welshman.They were also successful in bringing Isco,Asier Illaramendi and Daniel Carvajal to the club but the players have not lived upto their expectations by now.
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| He'll be there in a heartbeat... |
But,the pleasures were quite short-lived as they saw themselves slump to the third place in the La Liga standings ,following Barcelona and local rivals Atletico closely.Picking up 3 points by the mercy of luck has become a trend for them as they have thus far,failed to beat small teams convincingly.Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have been delivering some top drawer performances for them but crevices in the defense have let them down.They topped their Champions League groups rather comfortably,even after being drawn with Juventus,Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen.They remained unbeaten throughout the group stages and have made up for their disappointments of the La Liga
Rating-8.5
Olivier Giroud has ensured that the presence of another front line striker is not felt and the passing game Arsenal have been practicing suits the players perfectly.I see them topping the table after the season ends in May ,but you never know.
Rating-8.5
Atletico Madrid
It was never expected before the start of the season that Diego Simeone's side will prove out to be serious contenders,but time and time again,they have shown it.Diego Costa and Koke have been central to their performances this season,while David Villa has been somewhat depressing.And the exploits of the players have become quite well known and their eye-ball catching performances have sparked interest from other big clubs.And after selling off Radamel Falcao to Monaco ,they have done well to step into the Columbian's shoes.
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| The real deal. |
They have managed to successfully beat Real Madrid this season this serves as a perfect testimony to their motives this season.They are currently lagging behind on goal difference to League leaders Barcelona and have a considerable chance of winning the title this season.Their performances at the European stage has been equally pleasing as they topped their group in the Champions League,ensuring a safe passage to the round of 16.
Rating-9.0
England
Arsenal
Defeat in the very first game served as a real wake up call for the Gunners and they have responded exceptionally well.After seeing loads of banners reading "Spend spend spend" ,Arsene Wenger woke up from the slumber and signed Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid and that has changed the course of their season.Aaron Ramsey has emerged as a breakout star this season for the Londoners and the others in the midfield have helped him in the cause to win the title. Mathieu Flamini's return to the Emirates has ensured solidarity in the midfield for them and Olivier Giroud has finally,silenced his critiques well enough.Experts believe that they can ,replicate the "Invincibles" era and the players have shown it every time they have stepped foot onto the pitch.But,the problem has been just a single one-They win against smaller sides but get beaten against big clubs,which include the likes of the two Manchester clubs.
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| Sheer talent... |
They barely managed to qualify into the Round of 16,after Napoli suffered a serious heartbreak despite of beating Marseille on the last day.Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have played significant roles in their performance this season,and stats rightly suggest that Arsenal have not lost a single game in the presence of the German and the Frenchman.
Rating-9.0
Chelsea
Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge was accepted and welcomed by the fans but thus far,we have not seen the Mourinho magic unfold.Chelsea's games have been too much unpredictable these days and Chelsea's striker problems have been repeatedly brought to the front.And to make matters worse,Jose Mourinho has continued to exclude star Spaniard Juan Mata from the squad and the fans have been prompted to launch a scathing attack on the Portuguese.But,Chelsea have been good this season considering the fact that they sit pretty at the 3rd spot in the League.They have handed Liverpool a 2-1 defeat recently and a victory against the arch-rivals is sure to spur them on.If not for their inconsistency,they would have easily topped the league table .
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| Out of favour? |
Rating-8.5
Liverpool
I guess,it would be quite appropriate to write Luis Suarez instead of Liverpool above as he has been phenomenal for the Reds.He hasn't looked back on the controversy clouded career he has had and has commenced his career in a whole new fashion now. Liverpool have been pretty good this season and Daniel Sturridge and Suarez were central to their performances.But,the exclusion of Jose Enrique has jeopardized the left back position and they must consider moving for Barcelona's Martin Montoya.Steven Gerrard has been once again very good and the passes he delivers towards the flanks have unlocked the sturdiest defenses of the Premier League.But,the protracted absences of Enrique,Gerrard and Sturridge have affected Liverpool adversely and due to Stevie's exclusion Jose Mourinho had decided to play David Luiz in the central role.
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| Has silenced them,hasn't he? |
Rating-9.0
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