The First Month's Winners & Losers

Not always literally Winners & Losers, just a framework for discussion...

Winners

Bayern München

Top of the table and scorers of thirteen goals in three games, Thompson has avoided his typically slow start to the season. Of course, the cynics among us will say that his squad is simply too good to start slowly, and beating up on the bottom of the table with a vastly superior level of talent does not a title contender make. Bayern has never been in a title race (under Thompson), and they will have to prove their mettle against the experienced heads of Chelsea and Liverpool if they are to make a name for themselves in GIMP history yet again.

Only time will tell if Thompson can properly manage such a talented squad to the title, or if he will buckle under the weight of expectation. As Burns and Chelsea will tell you, underachieving with a loaded squad will get you slaughtered on this page.

Chelsea

Three wins in three, all by a single goal, and not a booking to their name. A maturity and tactical level unseen by the Chelsea gaffer, or a flat track bully riding his luck? A convincing win against Bayern or Liverpool would help silence those backing the latter.

Liverpool

A quietly consistent and perfect start to the season. Unbeaten in all competitions, and well on his way to automatic qualification for the Champions Cup final, will this be another season draped in red? For the good of the GIMP's reputation, one would hope not.


Losers

Palermo

Six matches played, six matches lost, and eight bookings (one of which, a straight red) accrued. It's been nothing short of a nightmare start for the lads in Pink, and unless something changes quickly in Sicily, Ingoglia could find himself well adrift of the title pack and knocked out of the Champions Cup. The critics will not just point to the lackluster offensive production, which seems to be based upon a kick, rush, and hope strategy, but also the poor disciplinary record. Four of the six clubs have yet to register a single yellow card, yet Palermo has chosen to make indiscipline part of their tactical philosophy. Fortunately, they've not been rewarded for this choice, and flying into tackles, straight red cards for dangerous play, and blocking off players who are making runs on one-two's will not earn them any sympathy should their run of misfortune continue.


Arsenal 


How many seasons of mid-table obscurity can the North London faithful withstand?


Dortmund

An inspired choice, and the league is better for having the German champions take part, it's just a damn shame they're going to be relegated this season.