They put four past Newcastle, then lost at Cardiff. They put four past Manchester United, then lost at Aston Villa. They put seven past Norwich, then lost at Sunderland. But there is a sense that this inconsistency may be coming to an end. It has to, surely.
When Manchester City play like they did against Tottenham on Sunday, it looks as if the league is theirs for the taking. It can only be a matter of time, surely, until they put a run of wins together and surge to the front.
Loic Remy has now scored eight goals in his last eight league appearances for the Magpies this season – and, like the rest of the team’s French contingent, is flying. The former Marseille star is giving Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge a run for their money in the Premier League top scorer race.
The French striker is quick, moves intelligently and, most importantly is something of a predator in front of goal.
The English Premier League enters Week 13 this weekend and this round begins the infamous December fixture pile-up in England. I think it’s safe to say that this is the juncture where the men will be separated from the boys. With seven matches to negotiate in the next four weeks, the league table should have a more definite shape by the start of the New Year.
ASTON VILLA vs SUNDERLAND
Villa are unbeaten in three matches and this fixture provides an opportunity for them to put a strong run of results together.
The Black cats have been quite unlucky with refereeing decisions this season and Gus Poyet will hope his team doesn’t continue to suffer from these errors. They were in the game at Hull City until two red cards ended the match as a contest and West Brown’s unjust sending off at Stoke City last weekend ensured Poyet’s side were handicapped for most of the match.
If Sunderland can have 11 players on the field for the entire duration of this fixture, they will give Villa a good run for the points on offer.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW (1-1)
CARDIFF CITY vs ARSENAL
It was not pretty against Southampton but Arsenal won. Make no mistake; Arsenal might not have won this war of attrition at other times in the eight years of their trophy drought.
I can’t emphasize enough the heart the Bluebirds have shown this season in the top-flight. They do not possess star names in their squad but there is this apparent cohesion and will to play for each other. They will give their all and nothing less.
Expect another fight from Cardiff but there’s a reason why the Gunners are top of the league (consistency) and I think Arsenal will pick them out easily.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN (0-3)
EVERTON vs STOKE CITY
Everton are not just about passing for the sake of it, as some critics suggest. They have balance, but are brave and ambitious with the ball. But the Toffees are facing seven matches in the next four weeks, as they look to establish themselves in the race for a top four place, losing Leighton Baines until the New Year is a blow.
Stoke City have been better recently and are unbeaten in three league games. Another plus for the Potters is that they have found their scoring boots.
However, Everton have a swagger that is difficult to ignore. I’m not sure the Potters will be able to live with them.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN (2-0)
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