When Southampton, Reading and West Ham
respectively got promoted to the premier league all three clubs knew that they
would have a battle on their hands if they wanted to stay in the "big
time". Speculation surrounded all three clubs, would they be like the
Derby of 2007/2008, who endured an absolutely torrid season or would they, be
more like the Swansea of last season and impress those who doubted them. Now
with seven games into the season, (or in Reading's case six) it is now time to
judge how well each promoted team has started.
Southampton
Although they currently sit fourth from
bottom, elements of Southampton’s game have impressed many people in the
footballing world.
They've gone on the offensive in virtually
every single game so far, with players such as Jason Puncheon, Ricky Lambert
and Jay Rodriquez all performing impressively. However, their defence has let
them down, having conceded twenty goals already this season. Southampton have
already played both of last season's top two, Manchester City and Manchester
United, losing 3-2 against both sides, both due to late goals after the Saints
led. In many ways, these matches have summarised Southampton's start, plenty of
attacking intent and prowess, but defensively, far too weak. Their matches have proved to be entertaining,
but with such a leaky defence, Southampton's first premier league campaign in
seven years, could be very brief indeed.
Reading
Brian McDermott's side are currently one of
only three sides who are currently winless in this season's premier league
campaign so far. However, three draws against Stoke, Newcastle and most
recently Swansea have given the Royals some hope. Before the season, many
pundits believed that one thing Reading needed to do if they wanted to stay up
was to make the Madjeski stadium a fortress. So far, although they are yet to
win a game, only Tottenham Hotspur have won at the Madjeski, while Reading
themselves have managed to score a respectable four in three games there, and
eight in their six premier league matches, including two away at Chelsea, in an
eventual 4-2 defeat. With Pavel Pogrebnyak already having four goals to his
name so far this season, it shouldn't be too long before Reading break their
winless streak, and when they do they could very well do more than simply stay
up.
West Ham
Out of all three of the promoted sides, the
hammers are arguably best equipped to deal with the top flight due to the
wealth of premier league experience in the squad. Now having played seven
games, the East London side have looked generally good upon their return to the
league they were relegated from just two seasons ago. The loan signing of Andy
Carroll from Liverpool has looked to be a good choice, with Carroll impressing
on his debut against Fulham, rekindling his relationship from his Newcastle
days with Kevin Nolan. Although they have showed signs of defensive frailties,
particularly in their 3-0 loss away at Swansea where James Collins and James
Tomkins were run ragged by the Swansea attack, the hammers fans will generally
be pleased with their side's performances and results this season. Now with
Andy Carroll back fully fit, and Mohammed Diame, Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble all
looking industrious in central midfield, I see no reason why West Ham can't
finish well clear above the relegation zone this season.
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