Manchester City began the season in brilliant style, but much of their form was down to that of their super Spaniard, David Silva. He propelled the team forward with his driving runs, intelligence and passing skill. He created chance after chance for City as they ripped opponents to pieces with their quick movement and passing. Since January he has faded, as often does with players who play as much as he did, and he has been unable to replicate that form. With his deterioration in form, City’s has declined as well, and now they are sitting eight points behind Manchester United, with six games left.
United are a particularly interesting case in point in this area. They began the season in style too with big wins against Tottenham and Arsenal, in which Tom Cleverly was superb. But he then got injured, and United became quite predictable going forward. It is no coincidence that Manchester United’s upturn in form has come with the return of Paul Scholes, dictating play in the middle of the pitch.
Similarly Arsenal have improved dramatically in recent weeks. But for all the plaudits going to their defence, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Robin van Persie, probably the key man has been Tomas Rosicky. His probing has enabled Arsenal to pass through midfield with something approaching their traditional flair, which they were not doing earlier in the season. That has been pivotal for Arsenal.
Tottenham have faltered, and again, their playmaker Luka Modric has much to do with it. He has not scored or set up a goal since January – a telling statistic for a player of his quality. Gareth Bale has continued to impress, and Emmanuel Adebayor has been good up front, but without those key passes through the middle, the whole thing falls apart, as Spurs have found.
Chelsea are an interesting case in point. Here is a team whose playmaker, Juan Mata, has actually kept them in the hunt for the Champions League despite their poor form generally. Mata has been by far their best player this season, and his ability to keep the ball and play telling passes has been absolutely vital in keeping their faint top four hopes alive.
And then there is the case of Newcastle, who have been different from their top of the table rivals in that they often allow the opposition to come onto them before counter attacking. They have a fierce but technical midfield, and now they have started playing Hatem ben Arfa more regularly too. The Frenchman has added crucial skill and creativity at the time they need it most as the Champions League run in gets going. It is no coincidence Newcastle’s fine run of form has coincided with Ben Arfa being given a regular run. This is very much the year of the playmaker.
