English title race shapes up to be most exciting yet

THE ENGLISH Premier League remains as popular as ever – and, this season, particularly, it looks like it could be headed for a rousing race to the title.

Last time out, it was an absolute cruise for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City; they entertained, played with verve and flair, captured the imagination of the football world, and won the championship with ease.

This time, though, despite the fact that City are continuing in the same vein, it may not be that easy. Liverpool, Chelsea and a new-look, new-approach Arsenal are primed to give Guardiola’s men a run for their money.

This was made all the more evident at the weekend when Liverpool edged struggling Huddersfield 1-0, and Chelsea snatched a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the dying seconds at Stamford Bridge.

For Liverpool, despite struggling against their lowly opponents, the result spoke volumes about their resolve. In the past, the Reds’ big stumbling block in the league race was their inability to dust off lower-ranked teams. Now, with manager Jurgen Klopp having focused on shoring up the side’s defence, they are able to, finally, win ugly.

Egyptian Mo Salah hasn’t been at his best this season, yet the Anfield club is still up there and challenging.

To win league titles, a team has to be able to grind out results, to put points on the board when not at their best. Liverpool are now able to do so.

Chelsea, under new Italian manager Maurizio Sarri, have just been a breath of fresh air. In the past, especially under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, they’ve been a defence-first, take-no-risks outfit.

Sarri has loosened the shackles, and the London club are playing with abandon and attacking purpose.

The one man the approach has benefited is Belgian star Eden Hazard, who is relishing the freedom and playing some of the best football of his career.

Arsenal, post-Arsene Wenger, are looking a much improved and more organised, efficient unit. Under new manager Unai Emery, name and reputation count for nothing, the defensive structure has improved, and the general team fragility so rife during the latter years of Wenger’s reign is no longer an issue.

With all of this, it is likely to be a season to cherish. Hold on to your seats: we’re in for thrills, spills and tension aplenty.