As we moved into the second part of the season, let us take a look at the first half and how the teams have performed.
Arsenal
A lengthy injury list is threatening to derail their season again. But so far, the Gunners have been holding strong. Their season could very well depends either on the players keeping themselves fit or any reinforcement that Wenger might bring in. WhoScored.com rating: 7.08
Leicester
Realistically speaking, survival ought to be their main objective this season. Not only have they met it in double quick time, they have threatening to gatecrash the big five's party, leading the table at one point. But a win-less and goal-less 3 games run seems to suggest that the bubble has burst. WhoScored.com rating: 7.01
Manchester City
The Citizens can be brilliant in one match and atrocious the next. The absense of captain, Vincent Kompany, does not make things any better. One would expect City to kick on in the second half of the season and make it a real charge at the title. WhoScored.com rating: 6.99
Tottenham Hotspurs
Slowly and quietly, Mauricio Pochettino is building a team that could challenge for the title. But this is a season too soon but it would not hurt if Pochettino could bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane. WhoScored.com rating: 7.00
Manchester United
With heavy investments in the summer, the fans are waiting in anticipation for the good times to return. But a return of just 24 goals is not what the fans expect to see. Louis Van Gaal's honeymoon period is definitely over and unless he could turn it over, we should see the his back at the end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.82
West Ham
The Hammers have played some brilliant soccer at times and have defeated the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. They have sacrified Europa League for the Premier League and it looks like the trade-off has been justified. WhoScored.com rating: 6.92
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew continued his good work from last season. Together with Leicester and West Ham, they have been the surprise teams this season. Barring a total collapse, they will be fighting for another season next. Maybe an Europa League place to boot. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers who was sacked in October. The change in management, however, did not bring about an upturn in form. Until Klopp brings in his players, the problems from last season will continue to bug them. Till then, Capital One cup looks like their only chance of a silverware. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Watford
The hornets is among the favourites for relegation but among the teams that were promoted last season, they play the best football. They are just 4 wins away from securing their status and they should just do it. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Stoke
Mark Hughes attempt of cnverting Stoke's style of play must be lauded but this has not translate to result. They will be safe with nothing to look forward to unless they can overturn their results in the second lef of the Capital One Cup semi-finals. WhoScored.com rating: 6.80.
Everton
The Toffees is in a situation whereby their results does not reflect their performances. They will have nothing to fight for in the Premier League but they in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and could potentially set up a Wembley meeting against cross-town rival, Liverpool. WhoScored.com rating: 6.93
West Brom
Another club whose objective is to secure their status in the top flight and they have been doing just that. Not setting the league on fire nor looking up or down at their fellow strugglers. WhoScored.com rating: 6.74
Southampton
The heady days of being in the top four seems a long time ago. On their days, they could churn out brilliant results but it is getting rarer. Their focus should be keeping their star players and rebuilding the team in the summer. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Chelsea
One of the worst, if not the worst, title defense. The rift between Jose Mourinho and the players has seen the blues averaging just one victory a month. Guus Hiddink has since taken over Mourinho as manager, albeit an interim one. Their only hope of appearing in next season Champions League lays in them winning the trophy this season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.81
Norwich
Another promoted side who is expected to struggle for survival but is doing enough at the moment. They do have some notably results like holding Arsenal and Liverpool to a draw and defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford. Overall, they should start to get nervous soon. WhoScored.com rating: 6.67
Bournemouth
Like Norwich, they are doing just enough at the moment. They should be worried towards the business end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.73
Swansea
Another club who parted ways with their manager midway through the season. With only one win in 11 games, it is not difficult to understand the rational behind the sacking. But Swansea might regret their decision, given that Garry Monk has the best win ratio of any Swansea manager (including Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup) in the Premier League. WhoScored.com rating: 6.69
Newcastle
It looks increasingly like a mirror of last season whereby they struggled throughout and only manage to beat the drop at the end of the season. Fans will be at the edge of their seats and biting their fingernails. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Sunderland
Like their fiercest rival, Newcastle. See above for our half time report. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Aston Villa
Bottom of the table, 11 points from safety, new manager Remi Garde has a tough assignment on hand. Their predicament is rather surprising, especially after signing the likes of Jordan Ayew, Scott Sinclair and Joleon Lescott. Survival is not impossible but they will have to start winning their games. WhoScored.com rating: 6.72
No comments:
Post a Comment