This Barclays Premier League season was billed as the year of the Big Three before a ball was even kicked. Champions Manchester United, along with Manchester City and Chelsea were projected by just about everyone to duke it out at the top of the table. The best of the rest were merely playing for spots in Europe and posed no serious threat on the big threes aspirations of winning the title. May the best side win. Through four matches, it hasnt exactly been a stroll for the bookmakers favourites. All three sit on a respectable seven points apiece; yet have shown the type of frailties that dont come with any easy solution. Meanwhile Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham are the top three teams in the League. Early season luck? Merely poor starts for the favourites? Or is there substantial evidence to suggest the big three can be broken atop the table? This topsy-turvy start to the season makes for great viewing/listening and intrigue. Each of the big three have already lost away from home and there is a greater belief the three horse race now includes other thoroughbreds making their own claim as worthy title contenders. There simply doesnt appear to be a clear cut favourite any longer. Its only been a month, but its certainly worth questioning apparent weakness in United, City and Chelsea that the rest of the league can take advantage of. Its easy to see top players at Old Trafford, the Etihad and Stamford Bridge and assume the cream will rise to the top. An undervalued characteristic of all three, no matter the players, is they are each operating under a new manager. With new managers come new expectations, different approaches, alternative training, changes in squad selection and greater unknown. David Moyes, Manuel Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho are blessed with payroll, sizeable squads and requisite talents. To say each team is complete however would be misleading. And there will be a feeling out period before each team find its form and becomes a true reflection of their manager. For the purposes of this conversation, we will focus on the aforementioned six teams and their respective title credentials. Thats not to take anything away from the likes of Everton and Swansea City, who will most certainly be in the conversation for European spots. As well as the likes of Cardiff and Aston Villa who have already proven capable of notching victories against tough opponents already this season. But from the looks of it, the big three, as well as Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are making the biggest waves and are worthy of sizing up their title chances. Liverpool – Its been an unexpected bright start for Liverpool without their top player Luis Suarez, still out through suspension. The Reds came back down to earth Monday with a 2-2 draw at Swansea. A well-earned point, but the way Liverpool were manhandled in the second 45 is a little disconcerting. Not withstanding Mondays finish, the shape of the team gives reason to believe theyll be a more consistent winner than last. 13 draws in league play was a massive letdown. There will be some concern the team is a bit light in the attacking midfield positions, especially with Philippe Coutinho out until at least the end of October with a shoulder injury. Although bringing in Victor Moses on-loan was one of my favourite moves of transfer window, giving Liverpool exactly what they need in another creative, pacey, athletic attacking threat, I still dont think its quite enough to keep pace with the big boys of the Premier League. Pundits were all over the Liverpool bandwagon a week ago. Sober second thought may have most jumping back off. Dont get me wrong, there is plenty to like. But this year is better seen as another year of growth under Brendan Rodgers. As his young players grow into the side and team identity is cemented, better things will come. This is a work in progress. Verdict - Its hard to see this team doing better than a fifth place finish, best-case scenario. Arsenal – The opening day loss at home to Aston Villa seems a distance memory. Mesut Ozil added the quality Arsene Wenger desperately needed in his side. And aside from the German International, the teams top performer has been centre-midfielder Aaron Ramsey. The much-maligned Welshman has finally grown into his own skin, brimming with confidence and becoming a force in tandem holding midfield role. It seems like hes been around forever, yet hes only 22 and coming into his own. His intelligence and ability to read the game has been the biggest improvement. Ramsey used to run wild on the pitch, often exposed at inopportune times. Now, it seems he picks his spots and is playing within himself. Thats the good news. The biggest concern for Arsenal is mounting injuries and the threat of more to the already thin squad. If Olivier Giroud ever succumbs to injury, it seems Arsenal will have to resort to playing a false nine. This could be problematic. And Im really not sure the team has proper steel and composure in the back four and at goalkeeper. Verdict - Despite clear improvement and prospects for progress, I still think they will be hard pressed to secure a Champions League spot this year, something theyve done 16 straight seasons. Top four will again be seen as a victory. Ozil expects trophies – and I dont think its the Capital One Cup he has in mind. Tottenham – If there is ever a team built to break up the top three, it has to be Spurs. Losing Gareth Bale to Real Madrid could have ended in disaster. But the way Tottenham worked through the madness is an example to all clubs on how to balance ambition with the harsh economic realities of the game. Spurs accumulated top players before selling Bale: shrewd business attracting players of value giving the team better depth and proper additions in positions of need. Chairman Daniel Levy gets shtick for driving a hard bargain, but the end result this time around proves the worth of his diligence. Roberto Soldado is the top striker they lacked a season ago. And building midfield depth, not only in number but quality will keep players fresh with healthy battles for spots in all competitions. Christian Eriksen is a wonderful player and at a cost of £11.5 million was an absolute steal. Eriksen, along with Erik Lamela and Paulinho are instant starters in the side. Young players like Andros Townsend and Danny Rose have returned from loan spells as better players and dont give up a step. The team has quality and depth at goalkeeper as well. Other than possible questions about how the back four will hold up, theres a whole lot to like. Squad balance, size, and technical ability are plain to see. It will come down to how this team deals with being the hunted rather than the hunter as the season progresses that will determine their eventual fate. Verdict - A finish outside the top four would be a disappointment. I see them getting back into the Champions League. And call me a sucker, but I truly believe they have enough to compete for the league title. It may not come this year, but Spurs will be right there to the end. Manchester City – It has been a stale start for Manchester City under Pellegrini. I questioned the thought process behind their summer purchases in the transfer window. The players purchased all look decent, but theres nothing spectacular. Pellegrini bought safe, and paid out the nose to acquire. Jovetic, Navas and Fernandinho are good players but not really the type of difference makers needed to put them over the top. Alvaro Negredo has the makings of potential super-sub status, but other than that, Im not sure how improved this team will actually be from the team finishing second and eleven points adrift a season ago. Good news for City is Vincent Kompany returned midweek in the Champions League and seems fit ahead of this weekends Manchester derby. The team is off-kilter and lacking confidence in the back without their captain. Ill give it some time before casting final thoughts on City. Week to week they may be world-beaters. But I see frailties in the team. Fernandinho and Yaya Toure in the middle need to get on the same page. And the team almost needs a stabilizing influence when things arent going their way. There will be no worry in attack as long as David Silva is pulling the strings. The system around him and is what I question. And well see if Joe Hart can prove the critics wrong and regain top form. Verdict - Right now, I just dont see this team winning the Premier League. City is the most likely of the Big Three to fall in the table. Manchester United – All seems right again at United. A league win, although assisted by the harsh sending off of Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, and a thorough Champions League win with Wayne Rooney putting in another stand out performance has the team finding confidence before playing rival Manchester City Sunday. Rooney took the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent months. But his start of the season shows no residue of distraction or out of form performances that plagued the end of last campaign. When healthy, Rooney has unquestionably been Uniteds top performer. His movement off the ball, and willingness to play off and around Robin van Persie is as good as it gets. The rest of the team is coming together, as Moyes starts to take the training wheels off his new toy. Marouane Fellaini, an absolute underrated signing that was criticized because of the method, settles the midfield. Playing alongside the class Michael Carrick in a defensive midfield role allows Uniteds skilled players to do what they do best – attack with purpose and precision. Shinji Kagawa moving into the side Tuesday adds another layer, where the Japanese International doesnt have to play as an out and out left sided midfielder. He regularly came inside, allowing the impressive Patrice Evra to get up the flank. It creates somewhat of an imbalance on the field, which is okay, with a more stay-at-home back in the mold of Chris Smalling or Phil Jones deputizing at right back until Rafaels return, to play in a more traditional fullback role. It all seems to be coming along smoothly. And we havent seen the likes of Wilfried Zaha and a regular dose of Adnan Janusaj yet either. The bevy of options to change shape based on the occasion will be a test for Moyes. Squad rotation will be all-important, something Moyes hasnt been tasked with to this extent before. Its all looking a-ok for United post-Ferguson. Just dont tell too many people. Its a better headline when controversy clouds Old Trafford. Verdict - This is still Uniteds title to lose. No other team has the experience and competitive make-up of this team. Chelsea - Two losses in a row for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea (three if you include the Super Cup), including a home loss to FC Basel of all teams. Say it aint so!? So whats gone awry? It almost seems Mourinho has too many options at present time and hes trying to figure out how each piece of the puzzle fits. Unfortunately, hes taken out a key piece to that puzzle, failing to recognize its importance. Juan Mata was Chelseas top player the past two seasons. His creative intelligence and ability to change the shape of matches cannot be ignored. Yet Mourinho is resistant to starting or playing the Spanish wizard for the full 90. The overlook reeks of ego and must come to an end. Chelsea needs Mata. His misuse thus far has been nonsensical. The new additions to the squad will come along, if they are given proper chances and clearly defined roles. This is up to Mourinho. What type of system does he want to play and who best fills those roles? That has yet to be determined. The good news is they are still creating chances, and lots of them. Some may point to the loan move of striker Romelu Lukaku to Everton as being a misstep. I dont think thats accurate. This team works best with decisive and calculated movement off the ball. Lukaku still has much to learn in this area. Samuel Etoo will be a good fit. Its not about him adapting to the Premier League. Its about him gaining comfort with his teammates and growing with the system, whatever that may be. It will be intriguing to see how much patience Mourinho has for David Luiz. The Brazilian is a top talent, but he plays where he wants on the field and drifts out of position. Mourinho prefers the safer, reliable option at the back. Luiz is not that. Does Luiz find himself in the doghouse sooner rather than later? His sloppiness and positional laziness is already responsible for goals against. Verdict - Chelsea is the team with the best players in the league. But they have much to prove before they can be called the best team. Mourinho is a calculated tactician. And it wont be long until we see the fiery Mourinho return. This laid back version wont cut it. Look for Chelsea to regain their ways as the managers fire returns. A lock for the Champions League, look for Chelsea to push United to the end. You can reach Gareth at gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca or follow him on Twitter, @WheelerTSN Ricky Romero Jersey . -- Shanshan Feng of China set a goal to win twice on the LPGA Tour in one season, which she accomplished in her final four starts of the year. Jose Bautista Youth Jersey . "Im very happy," Osvaldo said of his return to Serie A. "Everything happened very fast and I still cant believe it ... Its been a hectic three or four days." Juventus has the option to buy the 28-year-old before May 31, for 19 million euros ($25. http://www.officialmlbonline.net/Black-Friday-Toronto-Blue-Jays-Cyber-Monday/ .S. Thanksgiving coming on Thursday, here are a handful of reasons -- beyond Thursday afternoon football -- to be thankful: Lions RB Kevin Smith - It looked like his career was pretty much done after ripping up his knee, but then he emerged from the scrap heap to go for more than 200 yards from scrimmage against Carolina last week. Ryan Zimmerman White Jersey . He drew a technical after a no-call with 4:12 left. Then, he got even, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 93-89 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Jose Reyes Blue Jays Jersey . The 21-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., jumped up two places in this weeks ATP world rankings to a career-best No. BARCELONA, Spain -- Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat trick to lead Barcelona to a 5-0 win over Atletico Madrid on a night when fellow Spanish league star Cristiano Ronaldo also netted three as 10-man Real Madrid downed Rayo Vallecano 6-2. The game at Camp Nou stadium was billed as a duel between Atleticos Radamel Falcao and two-time world player of the year Messi. But Atleticos new striker didnt touch the ball until 30 minutes in, and by then Messi had already followed up David Villas opener by forcing an own goal by Miranda and adding a third to set Barcelona on its way to its fifth straight home win over the visitors. Messi then went on to cap the victory with two late goals to pass Ronaldo as the leagues top scorer with eight goals. "It was a difficult game considering how well Atletico had been playing and we handled it well," said Messi, who has scored two hat tricks in five games this season. "They have a great team ... but we scored quickly and then knew how to manage the game." Also on Saturday, Frederic Kanoutes first-half goal gave nine-man Sevilla a 1-0 win over 10-man Valencia, and Villarreal drew 1-1 at 10-man Athletic Bilbao as the Basques remained winless under new coach Marcelo Bielsa. Barcelona and Sevilla moved one point behind leader Real Betis 12 points, while Madrid has 10 along with Valencia. Barca and Madrid rebounded from midweek draws with commanding wins. Yet while Barcelona overwhelmed Atletico, Madrid had lapses in concentration that almost let the newly promoted Rayo back in. Coach Jose Mourinho tinkered with his starting 11 after Madrid was beaten at Levante and drew at Racing Santander this week. Gonzalo Higuain got his first start of the season, while Raul Albiol came into the defence alongside the 18-year-old Raphael Varane. Rayo exposed the inexperience of the revamped backline just 12 seconds in when Miguel "Michu" Perez cut out a pass from Lassana Diarra, laid off to Raul Tamudo, and then rushed forward to score after Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas blocked Tamudos initial strike. Ronaldo equalized for Madrid by rifling the ball between the legs of Rayo goalkeeper Dani Gimenez in the 39th, and Higuain headed in a free kick in first-half injury time. Ronaldo appeared to have crushed any thoughts of a Rayo comeback when he stroked home from the spot in the 51st after Javi Movilla fouled Kaka in the area, but four minutes later MMadrid left Michu unmarked to tap in a corner.dddddddddddd The game then could have swung in the minnows favour when Angel di Maria was shown a second yellow card for a handball. Rayo, however, was unable to take advantage of the extra man and Varanes acrobatic shot in the 67th gave Madrid the cushion it needed. Substitute Karim Benzema scored in the 77th, and Ronaldo converted another penalty in the 83rd after Gimenez fouled the Portugal forward in the area. "When you have barely arrived at the game and they score, and under the circumstances we were in, everything looks more difficult," Mourinho said. "But the team reacted well and was able to improve. Later, I didnt like the 3-2 at all. We slipped and gave Rayo a chance." In Barcelona, even though Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol were both available for the first time this season, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola opted to again push midfielders Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano back into the centre of defence. And his side came close to conceding a goal in the fifth minute when Diego flashed a strike off the crossbar. But the influential Xavi Hernandez settled the hosts nerves when he fed Villa, who cut back and shot under Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona soon doubled their advantage in the 15th when Courtois blocked Messis strike only for the rebound to bounce off his teammate Miranda and land in his net. Atletico had only conceded one goal before this game, but Messi left a trio of defenders flatfooted as he used two sleek changes of direction to penetrate the right flank before whipping the ball between Courtois and the near post in the 26th. Pique came on early in a second half that was controlled by Barcelona and, at the end, owned by Messi. Messi showed his mastery of the ball in the 78th as he dribbled across the front of the area, leaving behind a swarm of defenders before sending his angled shot back across into the right corner of the goal. He then finished off a pass from Villa in injury time as Barcelona stayed perfect at home. "Leo is very fast in short distances. But you have to see Leo play to understand it," said Guardiola. "You just have to find the place to get him the ball." On Sunday, its: Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad, Levante vs. Espanyol, Granada vs. Osasuna, Sporting Gijon vs. Racing Santander, and Zaragoza vs. Malaga. Betis plays Getafe on Monday. cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheapjerseyswholesale wholesale jerseys ' ' '
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