In 2009/10, for the first time since 2003, the Premier League failed to provide any Champions League semi-finalists. This campaign provides a chance to reassert its authority, writes Richard Jolly
Modesty and marketing are not natural bedfellows. In the case of the Premier League, they appear mutually exclusive. "It is the world's most watched league and the most lucrative - attracting the top players from all over the globe," it states. "It must be regarded as the world's best league football competition - on and off the field."
"Must"? Advocates of Spain's Primera Liga may differ, but the Premier League does not do self-effacing. The ambition that has propelled the division over the past 18 years, from its comparative humble beginnings as a domestic concern featuring a mere 11 foreigners, is invariably evident.
Yet this has been a chastening year for both English football and the Premier League itself. For the first time since 2003, it failed to provide any of the semi-finalists for last season's Champions League. It was quite a comedown for a division that had supplied three of the final four in each of the previous three years. Serie A, in the form of Inter Milan, beat the Bundesliga (Bayern Munich) in May's final.
The World Cup provided a celebration of Spanish skill and a triumph for the Primera Liga. The men who illuminated South Africa plied their trade either in Spain (Diego Forlan, David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol), Germany (Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben) or Italy (Wesley Sneijder).
The Premier League's contribution was more peripheral. It was, Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal captain, who supplied Iniesta's winner in the final, but his heart, for most of the summer, appeared to be in Barcelona, not London.
The other English-based World Cup winners were the out-of-sorts Fernando Torres and the unused Jose Reina. Among the beaten finalists, Robin van Persie mustered a solitary goal while Johnny Heitinga, sent off in the showpiece, and Nigel de Jong, who was fortunate not to be, were two of the culprits as mentions of Dutch cloggers had nothing to do with footwear. By a process of elimination, Dirk Kuyt, that most English of Dutch footballers, was probably the Premier League's leading man in South Africa. This was serious sweat, not the sumptuous skill that captures the imagination. Elsewhere, reputations founded in England floundered on foreign soil; never more so than in the case of the men who should have showcased its strengths.
The England team enjoy benefits their predecessors did not, of experiencing top-level European football on an annual basis and partnering the world's elite every week. Yet those who have remained immune to the Premier League's charms could be excused for wondering what the fuss surrounding Wayne Rooney, its outstanding performer last season, is about, why Frank Lampard is routinely described as a goalscoring midfielder, or why John Terry is regarded, in some quarters, as a paragon of defensive excellence.
There was a knock-on effect. Manchester United are sometimes deemed the world's biggest club, but they did not supply a single quarter-finalist at the World Cup. Nor did a Tottenham Hotspur player take the field after the last 16. It is a strength and a weakness that the Premier League appears to have an ability to exist in its own vacuum, to ignore setbacks.
It is a paradox because, despite its global appeal and the league of nations among the playing personnel, something of an island's isolationist approach persists.
So as the 2010/11 season starts, the Premier League is in need of an assertion of authority. It could benefit from a reversion to the days of English excellence in Europe, though we will have to wait until spring for definitive proof of that. In the short term, it would be revitalised by reminders of the exciting football that have tended to account for its popularity.
And, after their anti-climactic outings in the colours of their countries, it would be aided by the supposed superstars delivering the kind of marketable magic that has been their trademark: Rooney, Lampard, Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda were all underwhelming in South Africa; Fabregas, Van Persie, Steven Gerrard, Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez were better without reaching their considerable peak; for various reasons, Michael Essien, Andrey Arshavin, Luka Modric, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were absent altogether.
In the past, enthusiasm has been generated by expenditure. That is less of an option now that, aided by the Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore's laissez-faire approach to large debts, United and Liverpool continue to suffer because of leveraged buyouts. After the exercise in embarrassment that Portsmouth became last season, some measures have been adopted, but it is a belated gesture.
Amid a global recession and with austerity more apparent across the division, thrilling newcomers may be a rarity.
The sheer speed of United's Javier Hernandez makes him an exception, however, and Manchester City's largesse means they continue to intrigue. Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov are the latest additions to the Eastlands emporium of talent. They are reasons, too, to believe that the Premier League retains its allure; not in themselves per se, fine footballers as all are, but because of the consequences to the status quo.
Because it is hard to envisage anything other than the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating in Spain, while the evidence of the Champions League is that Italy and Germany have one team that is vastly superior to their rivals.
Accusations of predictability have been levelled, often correctly, at England before. This is a league that has only been won by three clubs in the past 15 years; United have never finished outside the top three, while Chelsea have been ever-presents for the last seven seasons.
But they suffered a combined total of 13 defeats last season. Now the sense is that this is a more competitive league. Burnley, Wigan and Sunderland showed it was possible to upset the odds over 90 minutes, Tottenham that others are capable of disrupting the Big Four.
And if by the best league we mean the most dramatic, the Premier League might just justify its own hype. Especially with a revolution at the division's summit.
@Email:sports@thenational.ae
Top four
1. Chelsea - A fit-again Michael Essien should mean they remain the strongest side.
2. Manchester United - Wayne Rooney and Alex Ferguson combo will keep them in contention.
3. Manchester City - Missed out on top-four spot last time. They should get one this year.
4. Arsenal - Keeping Cesc Fabregas should mean Champions League again.
Relegation zone
18. Stoke City - They lack goalscorers
19. West Brom - A swift return to second tier
20. Blackpool - Too weak in every department
RESULTS
Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The%20specs
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MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Sunday's games
Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
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Company%20Profile
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Dubai World Cup Carnival Thursday race card
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
if you go
The flights
Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes.
The hotels
The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).