City set to dominate after treble success

City set to dominate after treble success

SUNDOWNS A BANKER AGAINST SWALLOWS

By Mark Gleeson

A new Premier League season gets underway in England tonight and, just like in South Africa, it is hard to look beyond the all-conquering champions for a winner in this new campaign.

Manchester City’s treble success sets them apart from the pack, even as millions and millions of pounds continue to flow into the other clubs.

Newcastle United have emerged as a sleeping giant on the back of Saudi Arabian money, Chelsea have made a clean sweep of personnel and look to a new manager to revive their fortunes, and Manchester United have strengthened their squad for the term.

Last season’s runners-up Arsenal have already edged City in last Sunday’s Community Shield, although their success was a touch on the fortunate side.

But despite all that, Pep Guardiola’s boys look a cut above and now, having completed their long-standing quest for the Champions League, can settle down without much pressure and enjoy their games as they strive to keep up their dominance.

One has to pity poor Burnley, who have the horror of having to face City tonight in their first game since promotion. It is a particularly poignant outing for manager Vincent Kompany, who captained City to their first league success of this Emirati-era, and now manages the Clarets. They are home tonight but that is the only advantage they seem to have.

This season there will be an increased focus in England on stricter timekeeping, less time-wasting, a crackdown on bad behaviour by players and managers, and fewer VAR mistakes.

Premier League matches will be more than three minutes longer on average than last season due to a new approach on timekeeping, while referees will take a very tough line with players delaying the match restarting or time-wasting.

Match officials will also crack down on bad behaviour by players, coaches and managers. A Premier League survey has found that 66 percent of fans believe that misbehaviour by the participants has been at unacceptable levels and gives the sport a bad name.

The same applies to the local PSL, where refs are taking a harder line on bad tackles and professional fouls. Champions Mamelodi Sundowns collected 10 cautions and a red card in their opening two games.

They are heavily fancied tomorrow against Swallows in their MTN8 quarter-final tie while Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City and SuperSport United are expected to be the other clubs who advance to next month’s semis.