Excitement; the key ingredient to anything deemed successful or watchable, don’t you agree? Still beheld by many as the best and most exciting on the planet, the Barclays Premier League captivates viewers the world over. Whether it is the fact there is no winter break like other top European leagues, whether managers play more attacking football these days or simply because Mario Balotelli plays on these shores, the 20th instalment of England’s top competition has truly captured the imagination once more. With some standout results and continued uncertainty in both the race for the title, fourth spot and the scrap for survival, there is plenty more to play for this term.
But three quarters of the way through the campaign, just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team to watch? Let us analyse the 20 clubs’ merits in getting us out of our seat. Let us start with one of the league’s most exciting outfits in Arsenal.
ARSENAL
Inconsistency is the word at the Emirates, making for a great watch for neutrals. Arsenal fans have endured a painstaking season of uncertainty surrounding the chase for fourth spot. Whilst still great on the eye when it works, and just awful defensively when it goes wrong, viewers are treated to the sublime goal scoring of Van Persie and the countless errors of Johan Djourou all in one place. All under the ever-present stewardship of the growingly criticised Arsene Wenger.
Excitement rating: 5/5
ASTON VILLA
It has been a season of miserable transition at Villa Park under ex-Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. With the flair of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing long gone, the Villains have struggled to replace the rapid counter attacking style they were famed for under O’Neill. The only excitement here may come through a fans revolt against the ‘Blue Nose’ McLeish.
Excitement rating: 2/5
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Kean out! The words of the Blackburn faithful as long as can be remembered. But with Rovers at last with a chance of redemption this term, fans are starting to get behind their manager. With scenes never before witnessed surrounding fan disgruntlement, Ewood Park has been a cauldron of hate this season, making for an intrigued watch for a neutral but not for an avid Rover.
Excitement rating: 4/5
BOLTON WANDERERS
A season of struggle at the Reebok for a side more accustomed to top half finishes. Whilst Owen Coyle’s tactics may be more technical than his predecessors, Bolton have forgotten what made them a Premier League hit. With Kevin Davies now warming the bench it is all style with no substance for the Trotters.
Excitement rating: 2/5
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
CHELSEA
Living in Mourinho’s shadow. The resigned fate of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Heavily under fire for benching fan favourite Frank Lampard and in general for being long gone in the title race, it has been the worst season in some time for the hugely expectant Stamford Bridge faithful. Whilst patience is running out, Fernando Torres still baffles everyone with his ability to miss open goals, Drogba supposedly takes half-time team talks and Ashley Cole has publically fallen out with the gaffer.
Excitement rating: 4/5
EVERTON
David Moyes continues his impressive leadership of a Toffees side again restricted financially. It’s a case of same old, same old at Goodison Park, but recent signings Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar should set the pulse racing a little more for the remainder of the campaign.
Excitement rating: 2/5
FULHAM
The Premier League’s nicest club continues to languish in mid-table; neither threatening at a European push nor close enough to the relegation trap door. It has been this way for some time at the Cottage and in terms of excitement; Martin Jol has simply continued the mediocrity as passed over by Mark Hughes.
Excitement rating: 1/5
LIVERPOOL
King Kenny has instilled some stability in the club’s results as they continue to battle for a Champions League spot, but it has been anything but stable for the club in ‘Luis Suarez gate’. The hugely controversial Uruguayan is always watchable not only for his on-field theatrics and wonderful tricky play, but his role in the Patrice Evra handshake affair. Some ugly scenes transpired earlier this month, but in terms of excitement, it made the matches against Manchester United a hostile occasion.
Excitement rating: 4/5
MANCHESTER CITY
Their fans sing ‘we’re not really here’ and who can blame them. Treated to mediocrity over the years, City is now a great outfit intertwining solid defensive play with artistic forward bursts. Aguero and Silva have scared many a defence and Mario Balotelli has been up to his old tricks letting off fireworks at home, appearing in schools and scoring the odd stunner as well. They might just win the big prize as well.
Excitement rating: 5/5
MANCHESTER UNITED
Dubbed one of Sir Alex’ poorest teams during his tenure, United continue to battle on for Premier League supremacy. Gritty, determined and focused all describe the Red Devils, and whilst not being as entertaining as they used to be with the likes of Cantona and Ronaldo, Rooney pops up with some magic and being in contention for the title warrants high levels of excitement by default.
Excitement rating 4/5
Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the second half of the Premier League and the all-important poll…
NEWCASTLE UNITED
What a season on Tyneside. Pardew’s men have been the surprise package in their European push. Usually exciting for their boardroom misdemeanours, the Magpies’ on-field play has this time stolen the show and in Demba Ba, they have one of the league’s leading marksmen. After a stadium name change and the winter addition of another Demba in Cisse, these are exciting times for the Toon Army.
Excitement rating: 4/5
NORWICH CITY
The great overachievers thus far. Norwich City have surprised everyone with their efficiency in a squad of players more unfashionable than most. In Grant Holt and Steve Morison they have hardworking forwards and Paul Lambert’s men look safe in their first campaign back in the top flight.
Excitement rating: 3/5
QPR
Backed by the millions of Tony Fernandes and employing both Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton in the same team, QPR make for an exciting watch. Whilst results haven’t been flowing, QPR catch the eye with their mix of flair players and off-field antics. Apparently Warnock was sacked by text. How humane.
Excitement rating: 3/5
STOKE CITY
Involved in the Europa League this term, Stoke City continue to improve under the guidance of Pulis. Possessing more than simply Rory Delap’s long throw, the Potters now have another long thrower in Ryan Shotton. But seriously, Stoke are always an exciting watch when their gritty players always seem to give the top sides a run for their money at the vociferous Britannia Stadium.
Excitement rating: 3/5
SUNDERLAND
A terrible first half of the campaign followed by an impressive second half. Martin O’Neill has reinvigorated the Black Cats and in Sessegnon and McClean, Sunderland possess players who can truly get at any Premier League defence. Excitement following O’Neill’s appointment has been unprecedented and Sunderland now represent an established top flight outfit.
Excitement rating: 4/5
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
SWANSEA CITY
The great showmen. Swansea City have continued their ethos to play an attacking, pass and move brand of football and it is paying off for the first Welsh side to grace the big league. In Leon Britton, they have a passer to rival Xavi and in Scott Sinclair they have one of the most exciting wingers, flourishing with first-team involvement every week. A great debut campaign for Rodgers’ men.
Excitement rating: 5/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Redknapp has really forged Spurs into a top outfit this term. With the solidity of Parker, King and Friedel and the flair of Bale, Modric and Adebayor, Tottenham truly balance the squad dynamic perfectly. Assured of a place in the top four this season, Tottenham have captured the imagination with their lightning quick crusades up the pitch. A great watch for Lilywhite and football fans alike.
Excitement rating: 5/5
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Roy Hodgson has again targeted Premier League survival as the club’s aim this term. In Odemwingie and Long, the Baggies possess a potent goal threat but a lack of flair players and inconsistency in results means West Brom aren’t the most exciting.
Excitement rating: 2/5
WIGAN ATHLETIC
The great survivors. Wigan Athletic continue to topple the odds by remaining in the top flight under Roberto Martinez. The least supported club in the league by a mile fail to capture the imagination due to their relegation scrap and Victor Moses is the only real player who can commit a full back.
Excitement rating: 1/5
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Last but not least, Wolves have struggled once more this term, so much so to part with their manager Mick McCarthy recently. Much like Wigan, the pulse is hardly set racing throughout the campaign, but Steven Fletcher has tried his best with a series of impressive strikes.
Excitement rating: 2/5
So there you have it, an assessment of excitability amongst the Premier League’s elite. Let us know your thoughts. Just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team? Vote in our poll.
However, if you do agree with my judgements you may be carefully nudged to follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
[poll ]
