ClapThe Premier League season has been pretty fascinating to watch unfold thus far and as we finally reach the halfway point, and prepare for 2022, we want to take a look back at what we’ve seen since proceedings got underway in August.
Some clubs have been able to flourish under these continually difficult circumstances whereas others have faltered, showcasing the true unpredictability of English football’s top tier.
Today, we’re choosing to focus on the positives by pointing out five teams that have more than lived up to the hype.
Manchester City – 1st
Manchester City definitely need to figure out the complex that has left them struggling to find sustained success in the Champions League but domestically speaking, Pep Guardiola has worked out the winning formula.
Once again they are running the show in the title race and while Chelsea and Liverpool are both great clubs, there just isn’t a scenario in our mind whereby they threaten them this season.
Arsenal – 4th
There have definitely been more than a few “oh no” moments for Arsenal since the campaign got underway but as we approach the start of the new year, the Gunners find themselves in the top four.
It’s not exactly been a familiar position for them in recent times and Mikel Arteta has come under intense scrutiny, but here we are.
West Ham – 5th
The David Moyes experiment has turned into the David Moyes triumph and we couldn’t be happier to see it for him. The Hammers are thriving in Europe and in the Premier League, they are more than holding their own.
Declan Rice has been a huge part of that operation and with Antonio also being a consistent force of nature, their fanbase can expect even better days in the weeks and months ahead.
Brighton – 10th
It’s understandable for people not to immediately warm to Brighton & Hove Albion as a regular fixture in the Premier League, but Graham Potter is beginning to really command some respect for them.
The Seagulls are in the top half of the table, they’ve only lost four of their 18 games this season and they never give up. We don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like a team we’d want to play against.
Crystal Palace – 11th
Patrick Vieira was seen as a gamble upon coming in at Selhurst Park and that’s understandable, but the bottom line is that they’re playing with a new blend of football that’s actually easy on the eye (sorry Roy Hodgson).
They aren’t going to be challenging for Europe anytime soon but they also don’t have to look over their shoulder as much to the rest of the relegation-threatened clubs. It’s a nice spot to be in after years of being forgotten.
