A century ago, there was a popular saying; the sun never sets on the British Empire. In the high noon of Empire, British colonial rule extended to about 75 countries. However within 22 years of its existence the global reach Barclays Premier League has exceeded that of Imperial Britain.
Premiership matches are telecast live to over 200 countries. Also 98 foreign nations have supplied players to the Premiership, a figure reached last weekend when Victor Wanyama, the first Kenyan in the League started for Southampton. This tally does not include any Indian player as former skipper Baichung Bhutia represented Bury FC from 1999-2002 in the second division.
When the Premiership started in 1992-93, there were only some Scandinavian players and the most famous import was French international Eric Cantona of Manchester United. The league’s popularity has increased because of improved facilities, slick marketing, all-seated stadiums, exquisite hospitality rooms and business lounges.
In England, there is criticism that the average football fan has been priced out of the Premiership. Chelsea have the most expensive season ticket, worth `1.25 lakh. Season ticket holders get the privilege of getting numbered seats for all home games of the Premiership.
Besides that they also get to watch about a dozen knock out games (FA Cup or Uefa Champions League or Europa League) of their favourite club. For away matches they get preference in allocation of tickets. Despite such exorbitant prices, the waiting list for season tickets for Chelsea and Arsenal is in the range of 45-50,000.
After the first round of matches it is evident that the top three clubs of last season — Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea — are a cut above the others. Their three new managers,, David Moyes, Manuel Pelligrini and Jose Mourinho in his second coming at Chelsea, were delighted at the impressive victories in their opening matches.
For Manchester City the newcomers have slotted in well. Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho moved from Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) for £30 million (`300 crores) and Spanish international Jesus Navas who came from Sevilla for £14.9 million (`149 crores) impressed in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Navas provided speed and accuracy of crossing from the flanks and Fernandinho’s work rate and snatching was exemplary.
Their success has provided a headache to England manager Roy Hodgson. With four vital World Cup qualifiers in the next two months, both James Milner and Gareth Barry will get very little playing time in Manchester City. Barry has asked for a transfer and may leave soon.
Chelsea have a wealth of riches in midfield and their first half display against Hull City was sublime and had even Mourinho drooling about the intensity and the beauty of their approach play. The 22-year-old Belgian, Kevin de Bruyne, back on loan from Genk excelled with his speed and accurate passes. Mourinho’s only problem is who to play up front, Fernando Torres or Demba Ba or the promising Belgian Romelu Lukaku.
Top scorer in the last two editions Robin van Persie started with a brace in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Swansea. With the much-improved Danny Welbeck also scoring twice Moyes is not greatly concerned about whether Wayne Rooney stays or not.