Michu continues to pace the team

• With the holiday season in over, Manchester United remains in top spot. Mike Peterson Jersey . Here are the rest of the TSN Premier League Power Rankings. 1) Manchester United (17W-1D-3L, previous ranking: 1) Previous Result: 0-4 W at Wigan United remained undefeated over festive period. The most dramatic result, a 4-3 come from behind home victory over Newcastle. Robin Van Persie continues to be the most important player in the Premier League, with a league best 16 goals in 21 matches. Defensive issues still plague the squad, despite being back to full strength. While organization looks better with Nemanja Vidic deputizing, it seems a lack of ability to read the game and picking up marks in dangerous positions is the critical issue. Sir Alex Ferguson says he will rotate Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, ensuring a veteran presence at the back. With no plans to dip into the transfer market, this looks to be the team going forward. A lack of current width will be solved when Nani returns next month from an extended absence (hamstring).Next up: Liverpool 2) Manchester City (13-6-2, previous ranking: 2) Previous Result: 3-0 W Stoke City has bounced back from a shock loss to Sunderland with two consecutive Premier League wins. But the team will be tested in the coming month. The teams most important player, Yaya Toure is away at the African Cup of Nations, and Sergio Aguero is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines (hamstring). The Aguero absence particular stings because it takes super-sub Edin Dzeko out of his all-important role of the bench. Or, it pushes the unreliable Mario Balotelli into service. The fiery Italian has only one goal to show for this season. And the headlines have read more about his poor attitude and transfer rumours than anything of substance for his current squad. Perhaps Balotelli needs a regular run in the team. But will it help or hurt a team that looks unsure under the wavering guidance and seemingly inconsistent approach of manager Roberto Mancini.Next up: at Arsenal 3) Tottenham Hotspur (12-3-6, previous ranking: 3) Previous Result: 3-1 W Reading The festive season was a breeze for Spurs, beating up on Premier League lesser likes Aston Villa, Sunderland and Reading. A more difficult period lay ahead, and theyll do so without Emmanuel Adebayor who was a late call-up for Togo for the African Cup of Nations. Adebayors absence leaves Spurs thin up front, with the in-form Jermain Defoe the only consistent option. That being said, Spurs may have the strongest midfield with the most quality in depth in the Premier League. A fit Mousa Dembele is a difference maker. And the talent of Gareth Bale is in a different class. With Scott Parker easing his way back into the team, Andre Villas-Boas has plenty of options. Tottenham have been linked to multiple players in the transfer window. A depth player in attack and a possibly veteran cover at the back would help the team in its pursuit of Champions League qualification.Next up: at QPR 4) Chelsea (11-5-4, previous ranking: 5) Previous Result: 0-1 L QPR The up-and-down season continues at Stamford Bridge. A disappointing home loss to QPR and a sloppy performance in a 2-0 loss to Swansea midweek in the Capitol One Cup is a reminder this team is far from a complete product. The good news for Chelsea is the return of Captain John Terry from long-term injury. Also, Demba Ba looks to be a proper front-line option after scoring a brace in his Premier League debut for Chelsea. There is no good reason Fernando Torres should keep his place in the team over Ba. If he does, its because of the moment of madness owner Roman Abramovich splashed out £50 million for the player and the assume edict for Rafa Benitez to play the player. Selection issues aside, with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard in advanced attacking positions, Chelsea are a constant threat to score, no matter the opponent.Next up: at Stoke City 5) Everton (9-9-3, previous ranking: 4) Previous Result: 1-2 W at Newcastle It hasnt been pretty, but Everton continues to grind out results. The consistency of the left-side of the field with Steven Pineaar and Leighton Baines reeking havoc has gone a long way to pacing the club to its outstanding record thus far. And theyve done so without Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) and top player Marouane Fellaini out through suspension. This is the best Everton side weve seen in years. David Moyes is as good as they get in terms of managers in the Premier League. And hes rightfully looking for cover at the back in the transfer window.Next up: Swansea 6) Arsenal (9-7-4, previous ranking: 6) Previous Result: 1-1 D at Southampton Things are coming together for Arsenal. The ability of the team was on full display in a 7-3 victory over Newcastle over the holidays. On that day, Theo Walcott was a magician, highlighting the importance for Arsene Wenger to get the winger to put pen to paper on a new contract. Walcott looks close to signing. And more relevant to the on-field conversation, is being put in more advanced positions and looks comfortable doing so. Important midfielder Abou Diaby is almost ready to rejoin the first team recovering from injury (thigh) that has kept him out since the beginning of October. Four points back of a Champions League spot, the time to make a run is now.Next up: Manchester City 7) Swansea City (7-8-6, previous ranking: 8) Previous Result: 2-2 D Aston Villa Three draws and a win over the festive season for Swansea as the Swans continue to turn up the style while picking up points. One the best teams to watch as a neutral, they managed to get by while missing top player Michu for a short period through injury. Since returning, Michu continues to pace the team,

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  Posted 2013-03-28
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