da marjack bet： In Roman times, civilians and soldiers alike would make a solemn promise to the god Janus to change their ways; in the medieval era, knights would re-affirm their commitment to chivalry; while these days Sandra in work manages to give up chocolates and Pringles.
da apostaganha： New Year resolutions have been around forever, the changing of a calendar offering up the perfect opportunity for introspection and self-improvement. With that in mind here’s a resolution apiece for the Premier League’s top six that could make 2018 a time of cheer and good tidings for those that stick to the plan, unlike Sandra who is back on the salty snacks before January is out.
Manchester City – Sign a centre-back
With nineteen wins and a draw, all manner of records smashed, and a goal difference that is higher than their nearest rival’s points tally it is fair to state that Pep Guardiola’s only intention this year is to maintain the status quo. Yet, for all of their unprecedented dominance City are in requirement of a top notch centre-back and frankly the sooner the better.
The imminent return of John Stones from a lengthy absence will help matters considerably but to counterbalance that, Vincent Kompany’s early withdrawal against Newcastle this week illustrates once again that City no longer have a defensive leader to rely upon. It is not a question of quality as the incredible upsurge in form of the previously unreliable Otamendi shows: it is quantity that is lacking and though it’s hard to imagine this fabulous side not romping to the title, should they wish to achieve the amazing then another stopper is needed fast.
Manchester United – Provide a threat to the end
In the season’s opening knockings not only did Mourinho’s XI show a far greater attacking intent than they are showing presently it was also effective throughout the course of a match. Indeed from the 21 goals scored in their first seven league games six were converted post the 85th minute revealing that Lukaku and co were wearying opponents down chance after chance. Now that has all changed with just two late goals from their last twenty games across all competitions.
Jesse Lingard’s 91st minute equaliser against Burnley this week is a positive start and one that needs to become habitual again. United used to be known for leaving things late. A revival of Fergie-time will only aid their quest for a runner-up spot and cup success.
Chelsea – Add potency down the right
Only Alvaro Morata has attempted more shots this season for the Blues than their marauding left-back Marcus Alonso and with Hazard typically popping up and working his magic on that flank it’s an area that has reaped many rewards for Conte’s side these past 18 months.
Down the other side Victor Moses recently celebrated his 100th appearance for Chelsea and has once again been consistently exceptional. However, his end product pales to his peers with only one assist all term and crossing that regularly disappoints.
Are we suggesting that Conte jettison his rejuvenated right wing-back? Hardly. But a change in approach that offers up greater assistance to Moses only benefits the team as a whole while making them more unpredictable to boot.
Liverpool – A summer reimagining at the back
No prizes for guessing what this section would have focused on ahead of the Reds’ swoop for Virgil van Dijk this week yet even though the towering Dutchman will help heal a long-standing Achilles heel he is not a one-man panacea.
For too long now Liverpool’s exhilarating and inventive forward play has been undermined by a defence prone to implosion at the drop of a hat and should Jurgen Klopp refrain from over-hauling his back five in the summer then don’t be surprised if his legacy at Anfield is to ultimately build a thoroughly entertaining side that wins exactly nothing.
Tottenham – To better their nearest and dearest
With the least goals conceded in each of the last two seasons and an incredible haul of 92 goals throughout 2017 (the third highest tally in a calendar year in Premier League history) there is not a lot wrong with Pochettino’s Spurs barring a tweak here and there.
Yet time and again they are undone by a woeful and long-standing inability to better their top six rivals when visiting their manors with just a solitary win in 18 away games to City, Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Chelsea a stark illustration of why Spurs are making a habit of coming close with no cigar.
Arsenal – Mix things up
The Gunners have scored precisely no goals this season from counter attacks and when its considered that the five teams above them have put away 17 combined from this route it is clear where the North London giants are missing out.
Furthermore their six from set-pieces is the lowest number throughout the top six and indirectly, too, their failure to benefit from a single own-goal (compared to two half-celebrated by Spurs) only proves that while Arsenal are often a joy to watch their attacking mandate can be one-dimensional and lacking an element of surprise.