Some interesting reading

[Jangle]

for MAUDIB


Goals galore, meteoric rises (and falls) and a top five with nothing between them... want proof that the Premier League is the best in the world? Here it is...


By Gerard Brand
PUBLISHED: 07:23 EST, 16 December 2013 | UPDATED: 08:18 EST, 16 December 2013 25 shares
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Arsenal's speedy rise, City's unbeatable home comforts, United's reality check and Luis Suarez's masterful U-turn from the exit door.
The Premier League campaign so far has been as exciting as any, and it shows now sign of letting up as we approach Christmas. Even Jose Mourinho is struggling to grab the headlines.

Goals galore: Manchester City's 6-3 victory over Arsenal on Saturday reminded us how special the division is


For all the talk of the lack of English players in a World Cup year, we as supporters are spoiled for fun, goals and drama in what can only be described as the best league in the world. Don't agree? Here's the facts to show there is no competition like it.
COMING OUT IN DROVES


If Premier League clubs keep up their high attendances, for the first time in 40 years all top flight sides in England could have an average attendance of over 20,000.



When comparing the Premier League Europe's top four divisions - La Liga, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A - we are treated to the closest top five, and by a long way.
There are four points separating Arsenal in first and Everton in fifth, with the runners for the title regularly swapping places week after week.

Delight: Luis Suarez, captain for the day, celebrates after scoring the goal which set Liverpool on their way


Premier League - Top five separated by four points
It's all happening. Arsenal have surprised every man and his dog with their rise, but the cynicism is creeping in every so slightly after two vital games and just one point to show, while Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all keeping in touch.

PREMIER LEAGUE TOP FIVE


1. Arsenal P 16 Pts 35
2. Liverpool P 16 Pts 33
3. Chelsea P 16 Pts 33
4. Man City P 16 Pts 32
5. Everton P 16 Pts 31



Then there's Everton, slowly but surely making a challenge for the top four and beyond with new boss Roberto Martinez and a host of stars getting the most out of a change in management - plus a few clever loan signings.

But the tale isn't just restricted to the top five. Manchester United are arguably the season's biggest soap opera with David Moyes struggling to keep the wheels moving on Sir Alex Ferguson's masterpiece, while the wheels are off of Andre Villas-Boas' stagnant engine at Spurs.

Everything to play for, and everything to talk about.


Up there: Everton are flying this year, and are just four points off leaders Arsenal


La Liga - Top five separated by 15 points.
LA LIGA TOP FIVE


1. Barcelona P 16 Pts 43
2. Atletico Madrid P 16 Pts 43
3. Real Madrid P 16 Pts 38
4. Athletic Bilbao P 16 Pts 30
5. Villarreal P 16 Pts 28


In La Liga, so often a two-horse race, Atletico Madrid are hanging around for Christmas at least, but behind Real Madrid in third there is a big gap to Bilbao in fourth and Villarreal in fifth.
Barcelona and Atletico are level at the top on 43 points with identical goal difference, but the Catalan giants have scored one more goal.
So often the 'other' team from Madrid, Atletico show no sign of slipping down anytime soon with Diego Costa on fine form, which makes a refreshing change from the typical 'El Clasico' rivalry dominating the division.

Giants: Brazilian Neymar has lit up La Liga with Lionel Messi injured, and a two-horse race is now a three-horse race

Machine: Diego Costa has helped Atletico Madrid's rise this term, with 17 goals in 16 games




Bundesliga - Top five separated by 15 points
Ahh, Ze Bundesliga. Everyone's favourite second league. Goals galore, proper fans, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp... a football-lover's paradise, and rightly so.
BUNDESLIGA TOP FIVE


1. Bayern Munich P 16 Pts 44
2. Bayer Leverkusen P 16 Pts 37
3. Borussia Dortmund P 16 Pts 32
4. Borussia Monchengladbach P 16 Pts 32
5. Wolfsburg P 16 Pts 29


But when it comes to competition at the top, it's simple to see where the salad bowl is going this year. Bayern Munich are seven points clear already, with typical competitors Borussia Dortmund 12 points behind.

Like Atletico Madrid in Spain, Sami Hyypia's Bayer Leverkusen wedged in between and making things interesting, but below the top three there isn't too much to shout about (apologies to any closet Borussia Monchengladbach fans reading).
What's more - every English side in the Champions League has beaten their German opponents away from home, with 12 goals scored over the four games.


Contenders: Leverkusen are joining in with the party at the top of the Bundesliga



At the top: Bayern Munich are still a sure-fire bet to win the 'salad bowl' for a second straight season


Serie A - Top five separated by 15 points
SERIE A TOP FIVE


1. Juventus P 16 Pts 43
2. Roma P 15 Pts 37
3. Napoli P 16 Pts 35
4. Fiorentina P 16 Pts 30
5. Inter Milan P 16 Pts 28


Slightly more interesting, Roma and Napoli have been making a push this season to topple Juventus' hold on the Scudetto.
Nevertheless, Juve are six points clear at the top, and with only three places available for Champions League places, Serie A's top three are a sure bet.
The Milan giants are falling behind badly, with Inter 15 points off the lead and AC a worrying 25 points behind.
Roma are most likely to take over at the top - they're still unbeaten having won their first 10 games.


Champions: Juventus are leading Serie A, with only Roma and Napoli trailing behind them with any menace

Roar: Roma are still unbeaten in Serie A, and won their first 10 games before drawing four on the bounce




Ligue 1 - Top five separated by 14 points
At this stage, France is providing the most competitive show outside of the Premier League, with four points separating the top three.

LIGUE 1 TOP FIVE


1. PSG P 18 Pts 43
2. Monaco P 18 Pts 41
3. Lille P 18 Pts 39
4. Bordeaux P 18 Pts 30
5. Nantes P 18 Pts 29


With Monaco winning the lottery in the summer, it comes as no surprise they're only two points off the pace of PSG, with Lille four points behind.
Three Champions League places are again nailed on, with Bordeaux and Nantes nine and 10 points respectively off third-place. Keep your eye on the top, but the rest is accounted for. C'est Magnifique? Not particularly.


Stretching lead: PSG lead Ligue 1, with moneybags Monaco two points behind

Strikeforce: Falcao's introduction to France has added some spice, but there are only three teams at the top




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[Muadib]

Ok so you have fairly equally 'competent' teams at the top of the Kick and Run League..

And ???

[Lazie]

Ok so you have fairly equally 'competent' teams at the top of the Kick and Run League..

And ???

.. well this season the other Madrid team is trying to crash the party ... still think it will come down to the usual 2 teams.

La Liga is a 2 team league. Until the revenue for TV rights is equally shared between all the teams, instead of 50% for Barca and RM and the other 50% for the other 18 teams, it will continue being a 2 team league.

[Lazie]

"For all the talk of the lack of English players in a World Cup year, "

despite the excitment of the EPL, only a few English players having a staring roll. With the exception of Rooney, Sturridge, Gerrard, Rodriguez to name a few, most of the English players are there as extras in the scene. Look at Suarez first goal yesterday, gave it to the Englishman and went back for it to score.

[Muadib]

Last season there were 4 Teams in Champions League round of 16 from La Liga..

[Lazie]

Last season there were 4 Teams in Champions League round of 16 from La Liga..

... and there were 2 from Germany in final. What's the point?