Manchester United- Season so far: Pretty good really, top of the league, 7 points clear, beaten Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City, but the defence is worrying. They have conceded more goals than Swansea, West Ham, and Sunderland, and Sir Alex Ferguson still doesn't really know his best team. Overall though, there is every chance of a 20th league title.
Star so far: Robin Van Persie. Who else? Has single handedly grabbed points for United this season, and is truly world class. Has also performed against all the top teams (scored in all the aforementioned victories).
Flop so far: Paul Scholes. It is quite hard to say, but it does seem his time is up. He has barely started any games this season, and the team haven't exactly struggled when he has been left out. Only twice this season, in the comeback at Southampton and the home defeat against Spurs has Scholes performed like he used to. Still, his standing amongst Reds is quite untarnishable. That's not really a word, but it's fitting for a player who may have the wrong decision playing on this season, but will always be adored at Old Trafford.
January signings? The world class players who could make a difference in Europe are unavailable in January. Would make do with getting Vidic back fit. Kevin Strootman, Thiago Alcantara, and other similar high profile midfielders will be targets in the summer.
Manchester City- Season so far: A few too many draws, but overall a solid championship defence so far. The real issue has been in Europe, where City only picked up a measly 3 points in their group and didn't even get a Europa League spot. Roberto Mancini will probably need to win the league or the FA cup to satisfy the owners, and keep his job.
Star so far: Yaya Toure. City's midfield enforcer has scored 6 valuable goals, as well as chipping in regularly with assists. Also one of the few City players to turn up in the Champions League. How will city cope without him in January?
Flop so far: Mario Balotelli. The dynamic forward has repaid Mancini's faith with a huge haul of 1 league goal this season. Also tried to take his own club to a tribunal- how much longer will Balotelli be indulged?
January signings? There have been rumours regarding Daniele De Rossi but it is unlikely City will be massive spenders in January. However, cover at centre back is a possibility.
Chelsea- Season so far: The sacking of Di Matteo is what it will be remembered by, as well as, for the first time since the takeover of Abramovich, Chelsea failing to make it past the group stages in the CL. However, Chelsea made a decent start and are in pole position for the League Cup. Benitez has also successfully tightened up the defence- for now. Still in the title race.
Star so far: Juan Mata has been a giant for Chelsea this campaign, returning from the international break in September refreshed and has been inspirational since Benitez has come in. My player of the season so far, with an eye for goal and superb at creating space.
Flop so far: Roberto Di Matteo. The holders of the CL have never got knocked out so quickly the next year. Seeing Chelsea's performances since his sacking, some of his 'tactics' were remarkably bad- for example, not playing the club's best centre back at centre back (Ivanovic), the refusal to acknowledge that Oscar, Mata, and Hazard clearly occupy the same space (Benitez has very rarely played all 3) and his complete failure to get Torres playing well.
January signings? Daniel Sturridge is on his way to Liverpool, and a replacement striker is what is needed. Falcao will have to wait till the summer at least, same with fellow South American Edinson Cavani, and Lukaku has expressed a wish to remain at West Brom, so Chelsea may look to Demba Ba or even Theo Walcott. Bodies in midfield are also at a premium, with Romeu injured, Lampard's future uncertain and Mikel in South Africa. Fellaini is likely to leave Everton if any club can stump up £18 million or so, could a deal be done there?
Tottenham- Season so far: So far, so good, for Spurs's new manager. Despite the media's best efforts, Villas-Boas has done very well and Tottenham are even outside bets for the title, according to Sandro. But top 4 will do nicely this year. AVB has dealt well with the impact of losing their two best players of 11/12, Modric and Van der Vaart, and are even taking the Europa League seriously
Stars so far: Jermain Defoe/Gareth Bale. Defoe is enjoying a new lease of life away from the bench, equally effective up front on his own or with Adebayor, he has 14 goals in all comps this season. As for Bale, the welsh winger is capable of changing a game in an instant, and the occasional dive hasn't blinded me or most other observers to the fact that he is probably the most exciting player to watch in England. Already has got 9 league goals from the left.
Flop so far: Clint Dempsey- Only 3 goals? And what position does he play anyway? Despite Tottenham's good results, Van der Vaart is still a big miss and Sigurdsson is not the answer. Honourable mentions to Adebayor for his lack of goals, and William Gallas for some inept challenges.
January signings? Joao Moutinho was close to joining in August and Spurs might try again. Need to shift some deadwood, with Dawson presumably on his way. Could recall Danny Rose from Sunderland to add depth. But with Parker and Assou-Ekotto on their way back from the treatment room, Spurs are unlikely to really push the boat out. Have reportedly agreed to take Lewis Holtby from Schalke in the summer and he could be the replacement for Van der Vaart I keep mentioning they need.
Arsenal-Season so far: Have apparently been in about 5 different states of crisis, but actually have made an okay start, with a few rubbish results (like the embarrassing defeat to Bradford). Cazorla and Podolski have been excellent acquisitions, and only Stoke, City and Chelsea have conceded less than them.
Star so far: Santi Cazorla has scored and assisted 7 goals in the premier league, and has been another great addition to the best passing side in the league.
Flop so far: Andre Santos wins because of some truly awful displays, but Thomas Vermaelen has cost Arsenal goals, Ramsey's development has stalled, and Chamakh's zero appearances in the league is probably still too many.
January signings? The Gunners really need another forward, although David Villa won't exactly be excited by moving to the Emirates, and Arsenal may need to look into players like Zaha of Palace instead. An experienced keeper is possible with Reina not happy at Liverpool, and about 6 new medical specialists as well to get
Everton-Season so far: Terrific, as for once, have complimented an excellent second half of a previous season with a great start. Everton have beaten Man United and Spurs at home, and have only lost thrice. Everton's net spend since 2002/03 is 13.9m, whereas Liverpool's for example, has been 173.8m. David Moyes has probably been the manager of 2012, and this is his best chance to get Everton back in the top four. If he doesn't he must be considering just how long he can stay on Merseyside.
Star so far: Marouane Fellaini has led the charge with 8 goals, the Belgian notching against United, Arsenal, and Man City. With an enforced winter break thanks to his headbutt of Shawcross, expect him to continue his form in 2013. Honourable mentions to Tim Howard, Leighton Baines and Leon Osman for consistency, and Pienaar for providing the touch of class.
Flop so far: Bill Kenwright: He may be a fan, but knowing Everton's excellent performances following the arrival of Jelavic, Gibson and Pienaar in January 2012, he should of backed Moyes with money in the summer. Naismith and Hitzelsberger were free transfers, and although Kevin Mirallas cost 6m, all of that was payed for by 15m Jack Rodwell's sale to Man City. The big question as regards to Everton's future as a long term top tier side will remain with Kenwright's ability to find a competent owner.
January signings? A loan signing for Lescott or Scott Sinclair seems the limit for the Toffees, unless some of the Rodwell money is made available. Far more important is to keep hold of their own best players.
Writing that was a lot quicker than I thought it was going to take! Let's all hope for a thrilling second half of the season, I for one want to see a brilliant fight for the title and expect quality in the Champions League. 2012 was a superb football year, can 2013 top it?
Thanks for reading, Adam
