NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
With the Premier League still in full effect, there have been multiple storylines that we never saw coming. With so many whacky things happening, it only confirms the narrative that this is the best league in all of Europe. The late goals and the chaos throughout games have made this season already feel different from others. Let’s dive into what has occurred and what’s to come.
The Title Race Is Still On!
Could it really happen? Can Arsenal do it? Before the season started, we had a feeling that Mikel Arteta’s process would take off to new heights, but indeed not as crazy as this. After what appeared to be an early season bounce of solid performances, Arsenal has solidified their claim to the title.
Championships are not won in February but are also not lost either. Manchester City has yet to play like their usual selves this season, but they are still in this race. With only being behind by two points, the race is still very much for grabs. The question is, how consistent will either team be? City has already proven its champion mentality by traveling to the Emirates stadium and handing Arsenal their first loss of the season there. However, they followed that up with a draw in the next game against Nottingham Forest.
We also can’t count out their rivals, Manchester United, who seem to have some hope of hoisting the trophy this season. Few people are giving them a shot, but the players themselves will. Expect a grand finish in the end, but this, by far, has been the biggest surprise of the season.
Who is In Danger Of Getting Relegated?
Every year, five to six teams struggle immensely during the season. Every year, one of those teams performs great miracles to stay in the Premier League. The last-placed Southampton in the league must quickly perform some late-season magic. They somehow started early by securing a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
They’ll need to beat out the following:
- A Leeds team that hopes to have an impact with new manager Javi Gracia in charge
- A West Ham team under David Moyes that hasn’t found its footing but has the quality to change that quickly
- Bournemouth, who have picked up 4 points out of 6 in the past two games
- An Everton squad that is figuring out how to grind out wins and results under new manager Sean Dyche
Wolves and Leicester City are hovering around the relegation zone but have some cushion for now. Last year, Burnley, who were Premier League regulars, couldn’t handle the heat and got relegated. Could this season be the same?
Who Has Surprised Us?
Starting with Newcastle, Eddie Howe has made this team a strong contender for the top four. Howe has boosted this side to have the best defense in the league thus far and has looked great at times on the attacking end.
Unfortunately, we can’t mention the same for Chelsea. After spending loads of money in the January transfer window, it has only reached four goals since the start of the new year. Their poor play may be a manager issue more than anything. Graham Potter has the players to succeed, but is the job of managing such big-name players catching up to him?
We can’t forget about Liverpool, who still needs consistency this year. Their recent Champions League loss at home to Real Madrid is an excellent example. Maybe it’s just an off-year for Jurgen Klopp’s side. But he needs to be aware of the teams who are gaining confidence.
The type of confidence that could turn into consistent results in the future. Some of these sides include Brentford, Fulham, and Brighton. We’ll see which side separates itself from the pack into the contender’s group.
