Winning the Premier League is certainly a mighty accomplishment, and each manager has his own approach, but if I were the top dog at a first division club this is how I would go about it.
First of all, the formation. 3 or 4 at the back? Maybe a 4-3-3 like Rodgers at Liverpool, or perhaps a more traditional 4-4-2 like the one United plays. Or even the rejuvenated 4-2-3-1. Personally, I believe that a more traditional 4-4-2 is the most prosperous formation for a team in league play. Two wingers on either side and both a defensive-minded and attack-minded midfielder in the center would be the preferred style in this case. The 4-4-2 allows for good transition from defense to attack, especially if the outside backs have some pace and can push up the field. It also presents the attackers with plenty of passing options with two forwards interchanging their runs. I believe the 4-4-2 utilized by Ferguson at United is the strongest first step towards winning ways. However, things change game to game and a hotly contested match is no time to be stuck up. Often times it is important to relax your principles and play in a way that be most effective at getting three points. You will have lots of time in your life to be proud but when everything is on the line, that is not the right time. It is instead the time to be effective and competitive.
Secondly, in order to make a run at the title, that team has to be consistent. As a manager you can get consistency from your players in two ways. The first is having a backbone, one which you can always rely on, no matter what the situation. Last year, Mancini could always rely on Hart, Kompany, Toure, and Aguero to lead the way. Each game they played outstanding, but if they did slip up then they made up for it within minutes. This is why City were so successful last year. A backbone is essential to playing competitive football in England. So, as a manger, the first thing I would do is find a sure goalkeeper, a reliable center half, a hardworking central midfielder, and a clinical striker. Once you've acquired the backbone the next step is sticking to it. The other 7 players on the pitch might be your flashiest or most creative players or the ones who get all the glory, but in the grand scheme they are just pieces of the puzzle. But like a puzzle, not every piece will fit in a certain spot. You must find which piece best fits in a spot and trust that it will serve you later. I'll turn back to City for an example... of how not to do this. Currently, Mancini has his backbone set, but nothing else. Kompany is the only consistent starter in the back four. Toure in the midfield. Aguero up front. Around them, everything changes. A key to improving your play as a side is familiarity. Mancini must make up his mind for his starting defense and midfield if they are to challenge this year at all. City have many quality players, probably enough to field two mid-table teams, but it is imperative that Roberto decides who are the best players. Having one or two spots play on a rotation is fine, but to have seven spots be up for grab each week, that is a disaster waiting to happen.
Finally, to win in the Premier League you have to score goals. If last year isn't evidence to this then you are not worthy of your opinion. However, most people seem to believe that the key to scoring goals is having the best striker around. While this is undoubtedly very important, it is not the most crucial aspect to scoring. Even with a striker who converts 100% of his chances, he will score no goals if he is not provided with opportunities. The creation of chances is the most eluding aspect of goal scoring. This is where the pieces around the backbone come in. David Silva, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Nani, Santi Cazorla, Marouane Fellani. All of these players demonstrate fantastic creativity. Creativity which puts them in good areas with good opportunities to score themselves or to set up a goal for their striker. Players like these are the masterminds behind the world's most competitive league and for good reason. Each of them has a unique skill set which has been great for all of their clubs. These are the players who win and lose the Premier League.
Obviously, this is all much more easily said than done, but if I were given the opportunity to manage a top drawer side, this would be my baseline strategy: smart, consistent, and creative.
