Normal Service Resumed: EPL

Finally, after over 3 months, normality returns to the English Premier League. As of tonight, Chelsea is top of the table, followed by Manchester United and Arsenal. Admittedly, Wigan in 4th place and Bolton in 6th are rather anomalous, but the top three is at least familiar (and more importantly, a reflection of the relative quality of the teams).

It was rather disorienting seeing teams like Wigan and Charlton in the top 3. They had heart, skill and great strategy, but these were not teams that were ever going to set the world on fire. Whatever we say about the decline at Arsenal and the inconsistency of Man Utd, these are teams that can hold their own against the best of the Continent. We definitely cannot say that about Wigan or Charlon.

The cream is starting to rise to the top now. I do hope that teams like Charlton (increasingly unlikely), Wigan (possible) and Bolton (probable) can hang on to gain UEFA Cup qualification. The Champions League spots are rightly being fought out by the best teams in the land.

Who will be the fourth Champs League team? I doubt Wigan can hold on to fourth by the end of the season. Liverpool is doing better now, although only seventh in the table. The other very strong possibility is Tottenham Hotspurs, finally fulfilling their promise.