Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — The 2014-15 English Premier League soccer title race seems to be turning into a one-horse canter as Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side continue to increase their impressive lead over fellow title contenders.

Here, Sportsmail reporters give their verdict on the problems surrounding the campaigns of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.

ARSENAL (by Sami Mokbel)

What are their problems?

Injuries are perhaps the biggest factor. The lack of defensive cover, though, is self-inflicted. Failing to replace Thomas Vermaelen in the summer looks a grave mistake. There seems to be a problem with the players’ mentality, too. Why are Arsenal going gung-ho in search of goals when in winning positions? Baffling.

Whose fault is it?

The decision not to replace Vermaelen is down to Arsene Wenger. The blame for throwing men forward at the wrong times must be shared.

What can be done?

Spend in January. Arsenal need two players: a central defender and a holding midfielder. Without them, the best Arsenal can hope for this season is another fourth-place finish.

Who’s letting them down?

Per Mertesacker hasn’t been his usual towering presence and Aaron Ramsey has failed to replicate last season’s excellent displays, though that was always going to be a tall order.

Horror stats

— Arsenal have dropped a league-high nine points from winning positions this season.

— Four wins from 11 games is Arsenal’s lowest total in Premier League history, equalling 2012-13.

— Each of the Gunners’ four wins this season have come against clubs in the bottom seven.

Fan’s view — James, editor of wearethenorthbank.com

After years of having to sell our best players, we’re being left wanting. Alexis Sanchez must be so frustrated given the work he puts in. The same mistakes are still being made.

LIVERPOOL (by Dominic King)

What are their problems?

Where to start? The defence who can’t keep a clean sheet or the forward line who can’t score a goal? Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini haven’t found the net between them in 888 Premier League minutes.

Whose fault is it?

Some would look straight at Balotelli — who was expected to fill Luis Suarez’s shoes — but that would be grossly unfair. One individual cannot be blamed. Responsibility rests with the transfer committee for the signings and the players who have come in and not risen to the challenge.

What can be done?

The return from injury of Daniel Sturridge will give Liverpool a goal threat they have lacked but that is putting a big onus on one man.

Who’s letting them down?

The experiment with Balotelli isn’t working but look a little deeper and Dejan Lovren clearly isn’t playing like a £20million defender, while Simon Mignolet’s form in goal is, at best, erratic.

Horror stats

— Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 Premier League games.

— Liverpool have dropped five points from leading positions in home games this season, the joint-worst in the division.

— Brendan Rodgers’ side are averaging 1.3 goals per game this season, compared to 2.6 per game last season.

Fan’s view — Partick O’Hanlon

Liverpool are like a favourite CD that hasn’t been put back in its case. Careless treatment means it has become scratched, so what was once a precious item now jumps and skips annoyingly every time it’s put on to play.

MANCHESTER CITY

(by Chris Wheeler)

What are their problems?

The Premier League champions once again appear to be suffering from a title hangover. It has not been helped by an awful Champions League campaign or Uefa’s Financial Fair Play sanctions, limiting City’s transfer budget. Yaya Toure’s dip in form is a major concern but he is not the only one.

Whose fault is it?

Despite winning the title in his first season, Manuel Pellegrini was brought in to take City further in Europe and his team’s Champions League form has cast a shadow over the early part of the campaign. He has also been criticised for refusing to change his tactics in the Premier League.

What can be done to turn things around?

It is still mathematically possible that City can reach the knock-out stage of the Champions League and that could ignite their season. Whether they have enough to reel in Chelsea at the top of the Premier League is another matter.

Which players are letting them down?

City fans know there is more to come from Toure whose infamous cake controversy over the summer seems to have soured his relationship with the club.

Eliaquim Mangala, at £32million the most expensive defender in the history of British football, still has to win over some of his critics, while Gael Clichy and Fernandinho were particularly culpable in the defeat to CSKA Moscow.

Horror stats

— City have kept just one clean sheet in five Premier League home games this season

— City have won just one of their four league games following a Champions League game this season

— Manuel Pellegrini’s side have fired more shots off target (74) than any other team so far this season

Fan’s verdict — Pete, Manchester

The problem started with FFP and failure to add stellar quality in the summer. We bought OK but the new players are still bedding in and, with the exception of Sergio Aguero, the rest of the squad are still suffering from World Cup hangovers.

MANCHESTER UNITED (by Chris Wheeler)

What are their problems?

United have yet to settle on a recognisable style or system under Louis van Gaal who is now on his third formation of the season, most recently ditching his midfield diamond in favour of 4-1-4-1. The Dutchman has not been helped by a never-ending injury-list that has decimated his defence and forced even more changes.

Whose fault is it?

You certainly can’t blame the owners or board who backed Van Gaal to the tune of £150million last summer. The buck stops with the manager, and only he knows why he did not do more to replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

What can be done to turn things around?

Patience, apparently. According to Van Gaal, it’s going to take three years to put things right. A new centre-back in January might help but it’s unlikely to happen.

Which players are letting them down?

Robin van Persie is the obvious culprit. He still looks half the player he used to be under his close ally and former Holland boss Van Gaal.

Chris Smalling has done little to dispel doubts about his ability to perform at this level and Adnan Januzaj needs to produce more after being brought back into the fold in recent weeks.

Horror stats

— 16 points from 11 games represents Man United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season

— United are on a run of seven Premier League away games without a win – their longest in PL history

— United have failed to score in the first half in each of their last four games

Fan’s verdict — Alistair, South Manchester

The succession of defensive injuries and suspensions have meant that the platform Van Gaal needs to launch a successful campaign still eludes him. Champions League qualification, our only realistic objective this season, is within reach provided defensive issues are quickly resolved.

TOTTENHAM (by Neil Ashton)

What are their problems?

There are no characters, no personalities and no-one in the squad who cares passionately enough about Tottenham. They are hiding at the moment and that isn’t good enough. Sadly, even if they did, the players are not good enough to be wearing that famous shirt.

Whose fault is it?

Joe Lewis. Tottenham’s principal owner had it in for Harry Redknapp and he ultimately pulled the trigger on a manager who finished 4th, 5th and 4th. .What can be done?

No option other than a complete overhaul of the squad. Tottenham are a massive club with immense pulling power. They can still attract top names, but Daniel Levy will need to put his trust in Franco Baldini and Mauricio Pochettino to trim the fat and bring in some fresh talent.

Which players are letting them down?

With the exception of Hugo Lloris, plus the game figures of Harry Kane and Ryan Mason, every single one of them. They disgraced themselves on Sunday against Stoke.

Horror stats

— Tottenham have conceded a joint-high five goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games this season

— Tottenham have lost four out of five home league games for the first time since October 2008 — Juande Ramos’ last five home games in charge. — Mailonline.