Dear Santa… (Part 1)

So it’s that time of the year again in which we eagerly anticipate presents for Christmas and Premier League managers write to Santa (or their board) for a little something more. And then it’s up to their executives to decide if the managers have been naughty or nice.

Arsenal

Someone to assist Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman has been a revelation ever since returning from his Charlton loan spell to add much-needed defensive steel, allowing other players to be liberated from defensive responsibilities. However, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini simply have not got the quality to act as his back-ups, as the Gunners look that much weaker without Coquelin. The board must be secretly wishing for Wenger to actually spend the cash available.

Aston Villa

In all fairness, they need a play-maker to build out from the back. But really, they need a formula to find a way to win. Any way will do.

Bournemouth

After that horrible injury to Callum Wilson, Bournemouth need another striker. Wilson was in scintillating form, and his dynamic movement has been sorely missed. Glenn Murray is more static, while Joshua King, though talented, is not a Premier League player.

Crystal Palace

Perhaps a recognized striker? I didn’t count Connor Wickham as one, but their artillery from attacking midfield should serve them well.

Chelsea

A "get-back-to-form" guidebook because, let’s face it, they're a good team on paper. But Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard have not played as well as they did last year. They've missed that creative spark from midfield, and that's what let them down this year. Defensively, I think Chelsea is fine. Ivanovic has improved compared to earlier this season, and the same could be said of the overall Chelsea defensive performances.

Everton

They couldn’t really strengthen their roster during the summer, but I think Everton should look to strengthen the core of their midfield because Barry looks vulnerable. McCarthy’s currently the engine in there, but Martinez would love to have one more defensive-minded player. And they’d love to keep hold of John Stones. 

Leicester

A magic potion to keep Jamie Vardy in scoring form, because who else do you need to score goals if the Englishman keeps up this fairytale?

Liverpool

They’ve made their biggest signing already by appointing Jurgen Klopp, and their improved form is evidence of the German’s impact on the team. I would say they needed a new central defender, but Klopp’s gengenpress game has allowed Liverpool to win the ball back much earlier. Lovren looks much improved as well.

Manchester City

Another goalscorer to relieve Sergio Aguero’s burden. Wilfried Bony has not lived up to his £28 million price tag, with his size often slowing down the City attack. They’ve got many other talented players that can put the ball in the net, but any City fan would have been worried when they saw the talented Argentinean hobble off the field.

Manchester United

Another goalscorer. Martial made a wonderful start but has faded in trying to adjust his game, and Wayne Rooney simply isn’t an out-and-out striker anymore. United can’t get goals from anywhere often enough to be true title contenders.