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The defensive stance of the 'other fourteen'

There was an interesting piece of analysis on Match of the Day Two last night comparing the top six clubs in the Premier League with the 'other fourteen'. For these purposes, Burnley were not treated as one of the 'top six', but as temporary guests.

It turns out that the other fourteen have seen a decline in goals scored and shots on goal. On average they are scoring about one goal a game. This implies a much more defensive style of play. (Thanks to Plumstead Emirates for telling me that 2.62 goals per game have been scored in the Premier League this season compared with 2.8 last season).

This is also reflected in the reliance on 'retreads' when it is thought there is a need for a change of manager such as Alan Pardew at West Bromwich Albion. Safety first is the motto.

The financial penalties of relegation are now huge. Moreover, for the many foreign owners relegation means that they lose the prestige and the global profile offered by the Premier League.

Of course, if you are one of the other fourteen, the best you can usually hope for is 'midtable mediocrity' and heading the chasing pack. Think Southampton. But if you appear to be a secure midtable club the threat of a relegation battle is never far away, think Stoke City.

At the moment just nine points separates Huddersfield in 11th and bottom club Swansea City. However, with Manchester City soaring away, perhaps the interest in this year's Premier League will reside in the relegation battle.

For fans scoring goals is the high point of any game and 'parking the bus' doesn't offer much in the way of entertainment for television viewers. The very best teams are, of course, able to unlock defences. The underlying issue here is the tension between the finances that 'the product' generates and the attractiveness of the product itself.

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