Man City’s and Spurs’ happy new years among 5 early lessons

If the goal-swamped, shock-producing opening day of 2015 is anything to go by in the Premier League, it promises to be a very happy year ahead indeed, especially for Manchester City and Tottenham.

Those clubs feature prominently in our round up of five things we learned and the way they affect the betting as a fresh year is ushered in.

1. Man City’s march through a striker-less wilderness makes them best title bet

Forget Chelsea’s White Hart Lane wake-up call for a second and consider what ruthless form the champions have been in throughout December without a frontline striker becoming available until New Year’s Day.

Robbed of injured top scorer Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and until Sunderland’s visit, Stevan Jovetic, the Citizens have won four and drawn once to stand level on points and goal difference with Chelsea at the summit.

With Frank Lampard, the match winner against Sunderland, committed to see out the season as well, the 6/4 about City retaining their title never looked more enticing.

2. Harry Kane can fire Tottenham into the top four

Spurs 5-3 win over Chelsea was simply sensational, and in the shape of Kane the Lilywhites have unearthed a true gem.

The youth product’s sheer bravado, hounding of defenders and finesse in front of goal make him the consummate striker and after taking his overall tally to 16 with a brace, the 4/1 about Spurs making the top four feels juicy.

3. Leicester will not roll over

A rot-stopping victory over fellow relegation contenders Hull on December 28th was huge and following that up by rescuing a point from 2-0 down at Liverpool showed immense character.

11/10 on the Foxes staying up anyone?

4. Everton must buy defensive personnel in January

A 2-0 loss at Hull proved a low ebb on New Year’s Day during a dire campaign so far for the Toffees, who now sit 13th in the Premier League.

A new goalkeeper and at least one central defender are required to plug the second-leakiest defence in the top flight.

5. West Brom should be alright with Tony Pulis at the helm

Securing a 1-1 draw at high-flying West Ham is no mean feat for any side in the division this season and with Pulis calling the shots at the Hawthorns, the Baggies’ price of 4/9 to beat the drop looks solid.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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