Promoted sides off to a flyer

In its relatively short and prosperous lifespan, the premier league never ceases to throw up a few surprises, and this season is no different, as we have seen a terrific start to the season from the 3 promoted sides. Norwich City, QPR and Swansea City. 

Since the inception of the premier league in 1992, we have seen in all when it comes to promoted sides coming up in to the top tier. We have gone from the glorious over achievements of Ipswich Town in qualifying for Europe, to the likes of the Derby County and Sunderland sides that ending up finishing the season with about as many points as a couple of triangles. We have also seen the likes of Wigan Athletic and Stoke City who have consolidated well over a number of season’s and have now established themselves as Premier league stalwarts. 

With Norwich’s previous and successful endeavours in the premier league, and QPR’s substantial financial muscle backing them, it is perhaps Swansea city who have raised the most eyebrows in their ascent up the table. The Swans have set about the task of top flight survival with a particular tenacity. Although they are not playing the electrifying brand of football that we have seen from others in the league, they are doing everything in their power to pick up precious points. Swansea’s utter reluctance to forfeit possession, along with some resolute defending have made it extremely difficult for opposition teams to get results. This has meant that Swansea have achieved more than credible draws against the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa, and can probably count themselves incredibly unlucky to come away with nothing from the games with Arsenal and Manchester United. 

QPR have had to shift their reliance from last season’s talisman Adel Taarabt, to older and more experienced hands. With Neil Warnock being able to call upon the vast financial backing of Rangers wealthy benefactors, the hoops have been able to draft in the likes of Luke Young, Anton Ferdinand and Joey Barton to bring more premier league experience to the team. These signings have allowed QPR to add a greater depth to the squad, a luxury that not many of the teams that are fighting for survival will be able to call upon. Warnock’s much criticised manoeuvre of hitting the self destruct button in the early rounds of the Carling Cup could also end up paying dividends as Rangers clearly, and rightly set their sights on survival. 

In terms of fixtures, it could be argued that Norwich City have a more favourable start to the season that other teams, However they have set about capitalising on this and have been able to gain victories against some of the teams that may be battling along with Norwich for a place in the league come the end of the season. December may well be the make or break part of the season for the canaries as they entertain water tight Newcastle United, and travel to the free scoring Manchester City. 

Of course, only time will tell if the three promoted sides can continue their good starts and ensure another season in the top flight, but as long as none of their respective managers call them out for a half time pitch side dressing down, I’m sure we will all be relatively happy. 

Sam Wingrove @samwins001

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