The Premier League Table 2016: A Mid-Season Analysis
The 2016-17 Premier League season has reached its halfway point, and the standings are beginning to take shape. With a number of twists and turns along the way, the title race remains wide open, while the battle for relegation intensifies.
Title Contenders
At the top of the table, Chelsea have emerged as the early frontrunners. Led by the brilliance of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, the Blues have been in impressive form, winning 12 of their first 19 games. Their closest challengers are Liverpool, who have surprised many with their resurgence under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds have played an attractive brand of attacking football and are just three points behind Chelsea.
Manchester City, the defending champions, have had a mixed campaign thus far. Pep Guardiola's men have shown flashes of brilliance but have also suffered some costly setbacks. They currently sit fifth in the table, but with the quality in their squad, they remain a threat to the leaders.
Surprise Packages
One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the performance of Hull City. The Tigers, who were widely expected to be relegated, have defied all odds and currently sit in eighth place. Marco Silva has implemented a disciplined and effective style of play that has seen his team punch above their weight.
Tottenham Hotspur have also impressed, continuing their rise under Mauricio Pochettino. The North Londoners are fourth in the standings and have a young, talented squad that could challenge for a top-four finish.
Strugglers
At the other end of the table, Swansea City and Sunderland are currently languishing in the relegation zone. Swansea have struggled to adapt to new manager Bob Bradley's style of play, while Sunderland have been hamstrung by injuries and a lack of consistency. Other teams such as Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Watford are also in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle.
Key Matches
The second half of the season promises to be just as exciting as the first. A number of key matches will shape the title race and the relegation battle. Here are some of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures:
- Chelsea vs. Liverpool (January 14, 2017)
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal (January 18, 2017)
- Arsenal vs. Chelsea (February 4, 2017)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool (February 11, 2017)
- Hull City vs. Manchester City (April 29, 2017)
Conclusion
The 2016-17 Premier League season has been full of surprises and drama. With the title race still wide open and the relegation battle intensifying, the second half of the campaign promises to be even more captivating. Click on the banner below to stay up-to-date with all the latest Premier League news and fixtures.
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