The last time we ranked the top EPL teams with our super secret algorythm, David Bowie lent a glowering hand. This theme is neither power, nor glower, nor meteor shower, but rather the flower. Cantinflas, the flower of the golden era of Mexican cinema, whose career eerily mirrored the top clubs in England.

Cantinflas rose to fame with the critically acclaimed and commerically successful  “Ahi esta el detalle,” recognized as one of the greatest Mexican films of all time. Audiences were wooed by his smart-talking antics more so than physical stunts. Manchester United currently sits atop the EPL, but is far from one of the great Red Devils side. With Rooney injured, Berbatov impotent, and Owen out of sorts, the trip to Anfield looms large. Can the defense continue to carry the load?

In 1941, Cantinflas created one of his all time greatest characters, the infamous Agent 777. Although the Cantinflas police officer ribbed citizens from time to time, the actor received several homages from actual police officers for his somewhat decent depiction of the law. Keep in mind this was pre-Narco Mexico. Chelsea´s Carlos Ancellotti is one of the game´s current grate characters, with his furling eyebrow and cutting postgame remarks. Ricardo Carvalho is in the doghouse, but can setpiece defiency really be so simple?

In 1941, Cantinflas absolutely demolished box office records with his tongue-in-cheek bullfighter film known as Ni sangre ni arena. The Spurs have continued their Juande Ramos-less renaissance with a blistering start to the campaign, but cracks have appeared. Is Jermaine Defoe mature enough as a player to play for a top four side, or will Tottenham drop a few more places to accomodate him?

In 1953, after a failed courtship with Columbia Pictures, Cantinflas turned to the stage with Yo, Colon, in which he portrayed Christopher Columbus but in present day America. His jokes and observations changed nightly, and invoked the ire of a few bishops. The Arsenal attack is in fine form and the goalscorers change from game-to-game. Rosicky is fit, Adebayor is long gone, and Vermaeleen is a revelation. Oh, and Andrei Arshavin is amazing. The Gunners maybe, just maybe, can mount a title challenge come April.

In 1956, Cantinflas made his US debut with “Around the World in 80 Days” and received a golden globe. The film title and American success were somewhat ironic, since as a young man he had tried unsuccessfully to cross illegally into California. City has attempted to cross the big four divide, and both Adebayor and Barry have impressed. However, Adebayor´s temperament may be the biggest obstacle to sustained success – a problem not yet solved.

Unfortunately, despite appearances from Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, Cantinflas´second film, Pepe, was a box office failure. His quirky Spanish witticisms simply failed to translate. Liverpool find themselves in dire straits and out of ideas. Xabi Alonso´s steadying presence has been missed, but the real dilemma is a viable, third attacking option. Benitez´s signings – Kuyt, Babel, and Aquilani have not translated into consistent performers. And things may get worse…

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