The Premier League Report Card

With 2010 upon us, Ian Griffiths takes out his report card to assess the Barclays Premier League's top guns and misfiring no-hopers.

CHELSEA

The west London outfit lead the pack heading into the new year, but only by the slimmest of margins. Aiming for a third top-flight title in six seasons, Carlo Ancelotti's men will be hampered in January by the lack of their African stars, but should weather that particular storm in a teacup before going on to be crowned top dogs once again come May. Chelsea have had their share of stutters so far this campaign - Wigan away being a classic example - but with Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry all set to shine once again in 2010, it is difficult to see this particularly classy and strong in depth side failing to outlast title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

Season so far = 8/10 Solid, but could and probably will do better. Title favourites

MANCHESTER UNITED

Somewhat unusually, the Red Devils from Old Trafford have enjoyed a bright and breezy start to the season. Currently occupying second spot behind Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have historically enjoyed excellent runs of form after the festive period - something the league's other title contenders would do well to remember. However, and no matter what the club's hierarchy are saying, United are missing Cristiano Ronaldo, devoid as they are of a player who can regularly, thanks to a single moment of genius, turn a game on its head - that could cost them dearly come season end. Wayne Rooney has been in scintillating form thus far and his desire to succeed will continue to inspire those around him. But will that alone be enough?

Season so far = 7/10 Have tried hard. Will be solid in 2010, but it's second place for Sir Alex's men.

ARSENAL

Having been written off earlier this season, Arsenal are back in the mix thanks to a plethora of wins and some fine individual displays from the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas. The Gunners continue to play what most describe as the best football in the league, and they look a certainty to claim a UEFA Champions League spot - although I predict top spot is beyond Arsene's men this time around. It will be close though. Thanks also to Monsieur Wenger for the best comedy moment of the season so far after his sending off at Old Trafford.

Season so far = 7/10 Have improved dramatically of late. Third place will be theirs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

My team of the season so far. Harry Redknapp's team has wowed all and sundry and should claim a place in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history. With Luka Modric, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and the particularly impressive Tom Huddlestone firing on all cylinders, Spurs look destined to carry on the good work in 2010. Doubts remain over their defensive cover, but the sale of Roman Pavlyuchenko in the January transfer window should release some cash and allow them to get a new defender or two on board.

Season so far = 8.5/10 A great effort. Will grab a UEFA Champions League berth.

MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City would not be Manchester City without the type of madness we have seen this season at Eastlands. City fans are accustomed to a heady concoction of farce and drama dominating their lives - and City's movers and shakers have certainly not disappointed. The recent sacking of Mark Hughes, and the subsequent arrival of Roberto Mancini and a very large blue and white scarf, shows that City's board mean business this campaign. An already strong squad should get stronger in January thanks to yet more splashing of the cash. Somehow though, I feel this won't be their season. The big test for Mancini and his new charges will come against the league's bigger teams - wins against Stoke and Wolves do not make City a top four side.

Season so far = 6/10 Mancini will repair the damage done by all those draws. Europa League.

ASTON VILLA

Pleasing on the eye when going forward and resolute in defence when it matters, Villa richly deserve the sixth spot they currently occupy. A team that contains the likes of James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young will always be there or thereabouts, but Villa fell away spectacularly last season when poised for greatness. They may stay in the fight longer this time around, but Europa League qualification looks their best bet. Have one of the league's more entertaining managers in Martin O'Neill.

Season so far = 6.5/10 A great team to watch. Can they last the pace though?

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool in seventh at the end of 2009 - incredible, but true. It's been a season to forget so far for Rafa Benitez and his men, lumbering in the league and dumped out the UEFA Champions League group stages, it would seem Liverpool only have their pride left to play for. Don't be fooled by their recent win away at Aston Villa, this is a Liverpool side that is an embarrassment when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are unavailable. Lacking creativity and defensive resolve, Liverpool will continue to struggle come 2010. The boardroom woes must be sorted out quickly.

Season so far = 4/10 Must do better

BIRMINGHAM

The league's surprise package. There has always been a degree of elasticity surrounding teams that gain promotion - as soon as they go up, they go straight back down again. Birmingham, not unfamiliar with this particular yoyo effect, look destined, however, to buck the trend this season and remain in the top flight. A solid defence which revolves around talented central defenders Scott Dann and Roger Johnson, is complimented by the likes of Lee Bowyer and Sebastian Larsson in midfield and the striking duo of Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez. Manager Alex McLeish has done a fine job, but they will struggle at some point.

Season so far = 8/10 Solid. Will not find things as easy in 2010 however.

FULHAM

Seeing Fulham in the top half at the end of the year is a sight many would have failed to predict at the beginning of the season. But yet again, Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson has waived his magic wand and concocted a team packed to rafters with talent and a desire to mix it with the big boys. Their ruthless demolition of Manchester United was testimony to the revolution going on at Craven Cottage. In Brede Hangeland they have one of the Premier League's outstanding talents, but may struggle to keep him in the January transfer window.

Season so far = 8/10 Hodgson and his team have confounded their pre-season critics.

SUNDERLAND

Congratulations to Sunderland manager Steve Bruce for resurrecting the fortunes of striker Darren Bent who has been in sparkling form so far. Inconsistency has resulted in a mediocre end to 2009 - any team that can beat Arsenal and then lose to Wigan and draw with Portsmouth within the next three weeks is destined for trouble. Bruce is building a decent side however, and will be given time to continue the process. The return from injury of Lee Cattermole will provide a major boost.

Season so far = 6/10 Mid-table mediocrity beckons.

EVERTON

The Toffees have been hampered by injuries this season - particularly to the mercurial Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, despite currently being in 11th spot, David Moyes' side are a mere four points off the drop zone. Recent results, including an impressive 3-3 draw at Chelsea would, however, seem to suggest there may be some light at the end of this particular Mersey tunnel. Will not go down. Thanks to Marouane Fellaini they can at least lay claim to the Best Hairstyle Since 1971 award.

Season so far = 5/10 Not great, but things should improve in 2010.

STOKE CITY

Having pummeled opponents into submission last season - mainly thanks to Rory Delap's howitzers - Stoke have not had it all their own way this season. Despite this, they remain above the dreaded bottom three and continue to keep fighting manfully. Have a squad made up of steady players rather than stars, something that makes them difficult to beat but far from spectacular. Tuncay's signing from Middlesbrough appears to have been an unmitigated disaster.

Season so far = 5/10 Should survive.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Toothless upfront and shaky at the back, Rovers have hardly got out of first gear this season. A maddening inability to score goals has piled the pressure on manager Sam Allardyce who saved the Ewood Park side from relegation last season, and now seems set to have the same fight on his hands this time around. Big signing striker Nicola Kalinic has been a major disappointment. Not ideal with Benni McCarthy on his way out of the club.

Season so far = 4/10 Will struggle before just beating the drop

BURNLEY

The men from Turf Moor have gained 19 of their 20 points in their own backyard, an impressive record that is in stark contrast to their dire form away from home. Owen Coyle has to start gathering points on the road if Burnley are to ease any relegation jitters, because their fine home record will wobble at some point. A weak squad does not help the situation.

Season so far = 6.5/10 Great at home, poor way. Will survive though.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

2010 looks to be a testing year for the Wolves. The recent outcry surrounding team selection away at Manchester United died off when Mick McCarthy's charges beat Burnley, but it was a win that merely papered over the cracks. Wolves do not have the quality in their ranks to succeed at this level. Reports seem to indicate that money will be spent in January in a bid to keep the side in the Premier League - it may, however, be a waste of time.

Season so far = 5/10 Relegation beckons.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

There have been few highlights this season, although the defeat of Chelsea was a major achievement. We will draw a discreet veil over Wigan's 9-1 defeat at Tottenham! Nevertheless, an inability to garner points on a regular basis has always been a sign that all is not well and Wigan look set to continue to struggle in 2010. A team that is simply not good enough.

Season so far = 4/10 Will escape by the skin of their teeth.

WEST HAM UNITED

The pressure is well and truly on Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. At a club renowned for giving its managers time to shine, time would normally be on the Italian's side, but not on this occasion I feel. West Ham continue to play some attractive football, but points mean prizes - or at least Premier League survival - and it is hard to see West Ham winning many more games this season. Admittedly, injuries have not helped. Their first league game in 2010 is at home against Wolves - a true six pointer.

Season so far = 4/10 History and tradition does not guarantee success. Will survive.

BOLTON WANDERERS

The sacking of Gary Megson has surprised few. Once the home faithful's support has been lost, there is little option for a football club's board. Have singularly failed to shine this season, and whoever fills Megson's shoes will have one heck of a survival battle on their hands. But with the likes of Matthew Taylor, Ivan Klasnic and South Korean star Lee Chung-yong in their ranks, not to mention a new leader, salvation could well be on the horizon for Bolton.

Season so far = 3/10 Poor. Will escape relegation though.

HULL CITY

Hull narrowly beat the drop last season - remember manager Phil Brown's impromptu karaoke? However, Hull have the look of a team that is down and out despite some reasonable performances so far this term. To survive once is admirable, to repeat the feat the next season is high improbable. Nice ground and nice people though.

Season so far = 4/10 Destined for the Championship.

PORTSMOUTH

Relegation certainties. Pompey have lurched from one disaster to the next this season, and the arrival of Avram Grant will do little to stop that. Forget the win against Liverpool, this is a team short on quality and confidence and hampered by nonsense in the boardroom. Enough said.

Season so far = 2/10 A disaster from start to finish. Down and out.