For most clubs this season, December marks a tumultuous period as the League gathers more pace than it does at any other point in the campaign. For Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham it is this period that could make or break their title challenge and subsequently their season as a whole.
One such manager who knows all too well about the busy period of December to January is Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. In December last year, Mancini took charge of the Manchester club and impressively won his first three fixtures during the demanding period.
However, this season Mancini enters the next couple of frantic months knowing it will be difficult to emulate the excellent start he made this time last year. “This month will be very important for us as we have some difficult games against strong teams, he then goes on to say. During this spell we can understand what we must do for the future. It will be very tough because we play every three days.” Making it all the more evident that if Manchester City are to mount a serious title challenge then they must enjoy the same success they did last Christmas period.
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This said, there is no doubt that Chelsea also face a crucial time this December as they bid to retain the Premiership. The brutal sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins was bad in that it sent the wrong sort of message to the players and fans. However, arguably enough time has now passed and with Terry’s return to the fold looking imminent, will Chelsea find their form just in time to make their title challenge all the more possible once again?
As for Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham this period marks much the of the same. With Manchester United losing on Tuesday night with a second string team, does their squad have the quality to see them through December in suitable fashion? Furthermore, can the two teams from North London, Arsenal and Tottenham, find consistency when it matters most and cement their push for the title?
You tell me!
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