In Depth Review - A's

Part One of an in depth personal view of this season's Premier League Teams.

Arsenal
Top of the table at present and probably over achieving in most people's minds.
After tipping them for the title last year I was less convinced this time with the loss of Thierry Henry and the lack of signings, it didn't look too promising.
But with Fabregas coming of age and Adebeyor showing he can take chances they have suprised us all.
Lehmann's early season injury certainly helped as Almunia is less prone to the calamities that befall Lehmann, the defence has looked solid so far with Toure and Gallas looking good, new signing Sagna and Clichy finally showing why many people thought he was better than Ashley Cole.
The midfield were always skilful although the "don't use one pass when 20 will do" philosophy still applies at times, Fabregas has added goals to his repetoir although still prone to the acting bug he's always had, Hleb seems to get better all the time and Rosicky has got undoubted skill.
Flamini has emerged from Gilberto's shadow to command the enforcer role, although the jury must still be out on Eboue? I liked him last season as a attacking right back but as a right winger he lacks the skill to impose himself and his penchant for diving, moaning and bad tackles seem destined to make him one of the most unpopular players in the league.
Up front Adebeyor has been exceptional, Van Persie has spent most of the season on the sidelines but they've still managed to score without him.
Eduardo Da Silva arrived with an excellent reputation but has only recently shown why.
Theo Walcott still hasn't really broke through although he still looks promising, being the only Englishman in the set up isn't good though.
So overall things are looking rosy for Arsenal, although I still wouldn't back them to overcome Man Utd for the title.

Aston Villa
Villa always impress me with their speed on the break, although an error prone back line will probably cost them European football next year.
Martin Laursen has finally overcome his injuries to star at the back and also scores a few goals, Mellberg is dependable as is Bouma, Zat Knight is still inconsistent as he was at Fulham and Scott Carson in goal will have to show some incredible form to get back into the England squad after his howler against Croatia.
Ashley Young impresses me every time I see him, I would rate him the best crosser in the league as very few crosses miss the targets with either foot.
Nigel Reo Coker although disappointing us Hammer fans last year is one of the best defensive midfielders in the country, he picks up a lot of bookings because he makes more tackles than any other player, Gareth Barry is a top player as he showed for England in the good run we had when Lampard was out, Petrov has the ability and skill but doesn't always seem to be interested.
In attack Agbonlahor always looks dangerous although his finishing lets him down, and John Carew is always a danger in the air and suprisingly good on the ground.
Gardner, Moore, Maloney, Harewood and Davies have all impressed when included.
Overall things are on the up for Villa, always entertaining and a great manager but probably need a couple of class players to make them challengers.