Premier League Ponderings: Managerial merry-go-round

Another week has passed in the Premier League and everything seems to be operating as one would expect it to — big teams are winning, Luis Suárez is scoring ridiculous goals, and the black bag has gone over the head of yet another manager's job, Crystal Palace's Ian Holloway.

While never the most successful of managers, Holloway had endeared himself to neutral fans for his seemingly warm personality, as well as his sometimes bizarre press-conference behaviour, and a viral video of him dancing a jig in his team's dressing room after securing promotion to the Premier League last spring. It was an entertaining breath of fresh air to have him back in the league after his relegation with Blackpool F.C. two years ago, yet as his team continued to struggle, it was clear that the writing was on the wall.

It came to a head on October 26, as Holloway admitted to being “too tired” and “not having the energy” that would be required in order to keep his club in the league, as they sat in 19th place, second from bottom and with only one win this season. It was a marked change from the vibrant personality that Holloway is known for, and one of the clearest visual representations of the toll that managing a top-level franchise can have on a person regardless of the sport, although the rates of football managers being sacked are certainly higher than you generally find in leagues such as the NHL.

Recap: League Table Tighter than Ever
As the Premier League table stands after nine matches played, there has not been a season with smaller point gaps between the clubs in many years, with only 12 points (achievable in four wins) separating Arsenal in first place from Fulham in 14th. Such an unpredictable season has resulted in many teams dropping points against opposition that, on paper, they would not be expected to in past years, and leaving some in a position to rise or fall several positions depending on a single result.

Even the teams currently occupying the all-important top four places, (Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur) are at risk of losing their positions if they were to lose, with teams such as Everton and Southampton defying many early season expectations to lurk just behind the leading pack, and showing a consistency to suggest that they have the potential to steal in if given the chance.

While the point gaps are sure to grow as the season progresses, this closely contested opening third of the season has provided fans with some of the most exciting viewing that world football can offer, and may will be hoping that the unpredictability will continue.