Corner is a new feature each Monday on US Soccer Players that attempts to breakdown an issue trending in the world of soccer in under 400 words. Yes, this explanation counts.
If you take a look at any of the English news outlets, the big story is Manchester City's inability to beat Sunderland. Even with Manchester United and Chelsea also unable to take three points over the New Year's weekend, it's City and their title aspirations currently under fire. Yes, we're still two days into January but it's understandable you'd check the calendar.
Pick a month, and someone would likely argue it's crucial for Premier League clubs. January gets that treatment for at least two reasons:
- The transfer window opens. This allows clubs to move in and out players and change the scouting reports. That last bit is important, because even if the new influx of talent doesn't work out the way the team plays will change. A bad team is a bad team, but measurably easier to play if they continue to do what they've been doing.
- Lots of January games. Churn is part of the Premier League experience, and teams can waste points without losing games. Squander enough, and your situation can move from happy to dicey.
But do either of these really apply to City? This is a benefactor club, less concerned about finances and the ability to spend than arguably any of their nearest rivals. They could be one of the teams using the transfer window to revitalize their chances. A scary though considering what they already have, but missing out on the knockout stage of the Champions League probably isn't lost on their ownership.
City's schedule has them playing six times in January, three times in the Premier League. That Premier League schedule has them home to Liverpool on Tuesday and then a noticeable break for Cup games before resuming the league schedule on January 16th. In fairness, that Cup break has them playing Manchester United in the FA Cup and the first-leg of their Carling Cup semifinal against Liverpool. Still, it's not like they're facing United in the league.
As it stands, things could be significantly worse for City, even relative to the disaster that would be finishing out of the Champions League places.
Corner Rating: (1-11 with 11 being a lock that it happens) 3
