Normally nominally avoided in favour of the hunt for continental qualification, mid table mediocrity is being welcomed with open arms by the Premier League’s new boys. All three have slipped into the mechanics of life in England’s top flight with ease, slipping off the radar at times to make solid, if not unspectacular cases for a prolonged stay in the best league in the world.
Norwich, Swansea and Queens Park Rangers were the names on everyone’s lips when they became the three new additions to the pantheon of the top clubs in England. Spectators used to Championship grounds were now facing trips to travel to the likes of Anfield and Old Trafford, but according to pundits and fans alike they would all be returning to their ‘rightful place’ amongst the second tier.
They have defied these expectations with positive playing philosophies, bravery against the big boys and a determination to defy the common belief. Few would have predicted all three to be placed comfortably mid table in the ninth, tenth and 11th positions, and none would have guessed that at this point, all three would have the exact same form record, all having won two, lost three and drawn two. It’s just goal difference separating the minnows from each other at the moment, but it’s their superior results that’s putting them ahead of established names like of Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.
Let’s start with the best of the trio so far; Norwich City. The Canaries are flying high after successive promotions brought them back to the Premier League after a six year absence, and they are playing like they deserve to stay. They’ve scored the most of the newly promoted sides with seven goals in seven games, and their defensive record has not been too shabby either, conceding just ten – the same as London giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Paul Lambert is being hailed at Carrow Road as the mastermind behind their revival, his mix of continental style and domestic know-how placing the side back on the map. Wins against Bolton and Sunderland were decent enough considering the form of their opponents, and a defeat to Chelsea is acceptable. Their only real blight remains a loss to West Bromwich Albion. If it were not for profligacy Norwich would be the toast of the Premier League had they conquered the defending Champions on their own turf, and the same can be said for their draws against Stoke and Wigan. Spurning chances is a problem for the Yellows, and more will be expected from stalwart Grant Holt if they are to continue their two year upward curve. Not conceding penalties would be a bonus, having given everyone of their opponents an opportunity to score from the six yard spot.
Dividing the line between upper and lower table is Swansea City, who also divide England on their geographical location. As the first Welsh club to compete in the Premier League, any trip to Swansea is a long one and this is telling in that they are undefeated on their own turf. All of their positive results have came at the Liberty Stadium. The flip side of this is that they have a poor away record, having lost all three on their travels. Then again, losses to Manchester City and Chelsea and Arsenal are pretty much expected in the EPL climate.
The main acclaim associated with the Welsh side is the playing philosophy instilled by young-gun Brendan Rodgers, based on the short passes and possession oriented focus made mainstream by Barcelona. Attack is certainly the best form of defence for Swansea, with the least goals conceded of the promoted three. Danny Graham was the club’s record signing but he’s been overshadowed by the business at the other end of the pitch in the form of Michael Vorm. The goalkeeper kept City’s flashy attack at bay for an hour on the opening weekend and has impressed with his shot-stopping since. Brendan Rodgers will want to maintain this solid start, and considering the form of those around them, press on to the top half, if they can get over their homesickness.
Queens Park Rangers were tipped to do the best out of the three, but so far this season they have only impressed in flashes, despite the millions pumped in by the club’s ambitious new owner, Tony Fernandes. Backed by another autocratic owner in Lakshmi Mittal who owns 33% of the club and comes in at number three on FourFourTwo’s Rich List they spent heavy in the final days of the transfer window to bring in names like Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Armand Traore and Anton Ferdinand.
They have had a mixed start to the season, thrashed by Bolton 4-0 but then turning around and beating Everton away from home. They haven’t had the chance to meet any “Big Six” side, so they may come to regret their inconsistent start. If results do not go their way after the international break, Neil Warnock may well find himself on the chopping block at the expense of his owners desire for return on their investment. Reversing the inconsistency in front of goal will go a long way to securing his future – you can’t lose 6-0 to Fulham, if you haven’t put your chances away the week before against Aston Villa.
Mediocrity is normally the ill-wish of managers but being comfortably amongst the mix, winning some and losing some will be welcomed for the promoted sides. All three will have their own aspirations as to the mark they can make on the division, and fixing the flaws that each have will set them on the path to glory.
The euphoria of getting a seat at England’s top table has now been extinguished, and the marathon that is life in the Premier League will start to take it’s toll. And that, as so many have learnt before, like Hull City, Blackpool and Burnley, is the greatest test of all.
Photo courtesy of redsforest.
