We are here, then. Six weeks, seventy-nine games, and an uncontrollable charge towards Premier League hibernation.
The Qatar hosts the World Cup FinalsHowever, it is the first step towards a concerted period which will help to shape the goals of all 20 top-flight teams for the remainder.
This is the moment that everything shifts a gear, even if the season was mild to this point. There have been postponements and an International Break that disrupted the rhythm and tempo.
From now through the middle of November all thoughts will turn towards the World CupThe potential plots are endless and the games are huge. Points are there to be proved — and won — every few days. Eight meetings of the Big Six will take place. There are also a few managerial jobs at stake.
It all starts tomorrow lunchtime. A north London derby between Arsenal Tottenham HotspurFirst place will face off against third; title-chasing wannabes taking on their playground opponents. They were separated by cigarette paper last season, and it appears that they will be able to separate this time.
That fixture doesn’t so much get the ball rolling as kick it down a hill. Next, Sunday Manchester CityTake on Manchester United. “It excites me,” said Erik ten Hag ahead of the match.
