With 16 games to go, Chelsea, quite deservedly, are at the helm of the English Premier League table. But the reigning champions, Manchester City haven’t been as impressive. Pellegrini’s men are currently five points behind the league leaders and they’ll have to do better if they want to retain their title.
LVG’s Manchester United have had a good run of games in the first half of the season, but since the turn of the new year they have struggled in quite a few matches. The Dutchman’s philosophy and formation have been challenged by the pundits and even some fans. The 3-5-2 isn’t much famous with the Old Trafford faithful. But the Red Devils need to bounce back as Ronald Koeman’s Southampton are poised to finish in the top four. Also, the Gunners haven’t missed the Champions League spot in decades and they are on the way up with Walcott, Ozil and other players back in the squad. If the 20-time English champions don’t finish in top four it will be a huge blow as they have invested over 150 million pounds since the departure of their legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Liverpool were the runners-up last season and at present they are eighth in the league, 17 points behind the league leaders. With Luis Suarez moving to Barcelona, it has been quite a fall for the Merseyside giants. Brendan Rodgers alike Van Gaal spent loads of cash in the summer and there have been a lot of new names at Anfield this season. The results weren’t as satisfying in the first half of the season, yet they seem to gel now. Nothing other than a top four finish would be a failure for them this season.
Liverpool’s fiercest city rivals, Everton have been awful in the Premier League. Roberto Martinez’s side is at the twelfth spot with 23 points. With nine losses and eight draws, the Toffees need to step up their game and at least finish in the top half the table. Surprisingly, the team which finished fifth last season, is just four points away from the relegation zone.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the league, trailing by a point to Manchester United. Arsene Wenger’s men have won only half of their fixtures in the league. Their tally of five losses and six draws point to a total of 27 points dropped. Last season, they lost 35 points over the whole season, so they will have to do much better in the upcoming games, especially against the top sides.
West Ham are the most improved team this season. They finished 13th in the last campaign, but Sam Allardyce’s men look all set to challenge for the spot in the European competitions. The Saints also deserve more words of appreciation, as the St. Mary’s based club lost a lot of first team players to the big fishes, but they have done better than ever under the new coach.
Hull City, QPR and Leicester City are in the relegation zone, with Burnley and Sunderland not far away. Even Aston Villa and West Brom need to stay alert and win more games or the situation could go worse.
The biggest disappointment this season after 22 games will have to be Everton. The biggest surprise is the Southampton side which is at the third spot and is defeating the likes of Manchester United to stay there.