It is easy to see why promoted clubs are always grouped among the relegation candidates at the start of each Premier League season - after all, the history books do them no favours. From Sunderland's woeful 15-point effort in 2005/06 to Derby's pathetic 11-point, one-win campaign two years later, the prospect of top flight newcomers flopping is hard to shake.
Over the past decade, talk of the 'gulf' that separates the Premier League and the Championship has been widespread, targeting factors from spending power to style of play. It is perhaps the toughest step up in world football. And yet there is a growing sense that for just the second time in the Premier League era, all three promoted clubs will survive the drop, bucking the trend in the most emphatic manner possible.
Swansea, Norwich and QPR have all made clear statements of intent over the first 11 games of the campaign. They are not here to make up the numbers, they will not be intimidated and they will play their own brand of football regardless of the opposition. So far, this mindset has worked a treat, with the trio sitting comfortably in mid-table. Fortunes can change quickly – just ask Hull or Blackpool – but all signs point to these three clubs having the belief and quality to survive.
Of course, their odds of beating the drop are aided by the fact that Wigan and Blackburn, in particular, have been in wretched form thus far. One win apiece confirms that both are definite relegation candidates. Wolves, Fulham and Bolton are also visibly out of sorts and have neither the star power nor the squad depth to consider themselves too good to go down.
There is more to the top flight new boys' story than just their points haul. In fact, it is the quality and fearless attitude in their displays - in victory and defeat - that has especially caught the eye. While in the past newcomers have approached away games with the hope of clinging on for a point, Swansea and Norwich, in particular, have embraced the possibility of taking the full three points at every opportunity.
Over the past decade, talk of the 'gulf' that separates the Premier League and the Championship has been widespread, targeting factors from spending power to style of play. It is perhaps the toughest step up in world football. And yet there is a growing sense that for just the second time in the Premier League era, all three promoted clubs will survive the drop, bucking the trend in the most emphatic manner possible.
Swansea, Norwich and QPR have all made clear statements of intent over the first 11 games of the campaign. They are not here to make up the numbers, they will not be intimidated and they will play their own brand of football regardless of the opposition. So far, this mindset has worked a treat, with the trio sitting comfortably in mid-table. Fortunes can change quickly – just ask Hull or Blackpool – but all signs point to these three clubs having the belief and quality to survive.
Of course, their odds of beating the drop are aided by the fact that Wigan and Blackburn, in particular, have been in wretched form thus far. One win apiece confirms that both are definite relegation candidates. Wolves, Fulham and Bolton are also visibly out of sorts and have neither the star power nor the squad depth to consider themselves too good to go down.
There is more to the top flight new boys' story than just their points haul. In fact, it is the quality and fearless attitude in their displays - in victory and defeat - that has especially caught the eye. While in the past newcomers have approached away games with the hope of clinging on for a point, Swansea and Norwich, in particular, have embraced the possibility of taking the full three points at every opportunity.
On the day, Swansea's quality passing and movement put Liverpool to shame – and without spending big money. While Kenny Dalglish started duo Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson on the flanks, who cost a combined fee in the region of £40M, Swansea showed much greater threat through the considerably cheaper pairing of Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge, with Scott Sinclair coming off the bench. Manager Brendan Rodgers has done a masterful job over the past few months and his decision to use Leon Britton in a deep-lying midfield playmaker role has been inspired.
Over at Loftus Road, QPR are reviving memories of the Les Ferdinand era. A spirited win over Chelsea and a narrow loss to Manchester City showcased the improvements made by manager Neil Warnock. Joey Barton has not put a foot wrong so far and the additions of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Anton Ferdinand have had a clear impact. Again, there is no fear of the supposedly ‘bigger’ clubs.
Not to be outdone, Norwich have enjoyed some heroic afternoons of their own. Paul Lambert's side have shown real ambition and were unlucky to leave Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford without a point. A draw at Anfield was a big result and, like Swansea and QPR, results are being earned by outplaying opponents, not simply outbattling them. Flowing football has been a feature of Norwich’s season to date and Lambert has excelled in pairing this with a relentless work ethic.
Of course, all three teams have their weaknesses. Swansea, for all their pace, have often struggled to turn possession into goals. Norwich have been hindered by defensive lapses while QPR are still gelling and have yet to find the best role for the mercurial Adel Taarabt.
Much will depend on how the trio handle the frantic Christmas period, which tests stamina and squad depth. The table can be deceptive at times too, given that Norwich – in ninth, the highest placed team of the three – are just four points better off than Bolton, who occupy a spot in the relegation zone. The solid starts by the newly promoted clubs does not, by all means, guarantee an easy ride over the next six months but it absolutely keeps survival on the table.
To read the rest of this article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/15/qpr-norwich-and-swansea-ready-to-repeat-2002-feat/52675/
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