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The English Premier League is arguably the best league in the world for its unpredictable nature. Every now and then a wonder or a shock pops up and amazes the world. Such a volatile nature of the league makes it more exciting and worth following.Every point earned in the league is hard fought and usually requires a moment of magic. The season so far has produced some jaw-dropping moments and runs. But not all teams and players will be pleasantly surprised. Nonetheless, they’re a part of the whole that makes the English Premier League what it is.Here is a list of top five surprises of the EPL season so far:
#1 Downfall of the champions
History is the proof of Mourinho’s slump in the third season wherever he goes. Chelsea who were red hot last season and managed to win the prestigious crown are down deep in relegation territory after twelve games. The dip in form of star players all at once seems to be the case here.
The Blues were setting an example of defensive solidity last season; however, they have conceded twenty-three already with twenty-six matches to come. Last season’s top players are as good as ghosts this time around with no contributions.
Hazard who was compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by his manager is likely to become a bench warmer if he continues to play the same way. Diego Costa is piling up weight instead of stacking goals like the previous season. The Spanish striker is more of a fighter than a goal scorer for his club.
The sack looms large on Mourinho, a manager who brought them to unbelievable heights is now part of the Premier League sack race. At this point of time only Willian and Ramires are doing justice to their spots in the starting lineup. Summer signing Pedro is yet to sparkle like his Barca days. It’s about time Jose and his men get their act together.
#2 The rise of Leicester City
With just one defeat after twelve games, the Foxes are third in the table. Only one point behind the leaders Manchester City, Leicester City are having a dream season. Last season, the team that were fighting for a top flight finish surprisingly find themselves in a Champions League spot.
The work from the manager and the spirit of the players on the field is truly remarkable. The defensive side of proceedings is still a point of concern with twenty goals conceded. However, the power up front is the reason behind the club’s position in the league.
The two major highlights in the Leicester squad are Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez with a total of nineteen goals between them. Leicester are placed second in terms of goals scored in the entire league with twenty. The attitude is driving them to unthinkable success.
The size of the fight is huge and is carried throughout the match. The habit of coming from behind makes them a huge threat for rest of the clubs. The transfer window is around the corner and Jamie Vardy along with Riyad Mahrez are already being scouted by some big money spenders. It will be crucial for Leicester to hold on to their star names.
#3 Anthony Martial\'s glittering form
Who would’ve thought that Manchester United will pay a colossal amount for a 19 year old? Who saw Martial taking the Premier League world by storm? The Barclays Premier League has found a new star. After the departure of Suarez, Di Maria was considered as the next big thing, but it seems the nineteen year old is the one ready to go big.
Martial arrived as an unknown talent to the Theatre of Dreams. The former Monaco man was a surprise for everyone. United are always surrounded by transfer rumours, but no one saw this coming.
The French youngster was tagged as a panic buy when Rooney was at an all-time low and Chicharito was heading out due to poor performances. United had been scouting the 19-year-old who were not the only one in line for his signature.
It was indeed the sum of money that grabbed the attention of the world and captured the signature of this young football prodigy. Man United were trolled for such an investment, but according to the boss, Louis van Gaal, Martial is the best in the crop of players his age.
The pressure was somewhat obvious on Manchester United to sign a striker. Martial needed to perform from the word go in order to avoid all the criticism on the manager and more importantly towards the club.
He had all the mouths shut after his brilliant individual goal against Liverpool as a second half substitute. Van Gaal was aware of the talent but wasn’t sure when will Martial be at his best.
He termed Martial as ‘One for the Future’ when probably Giggs takes over. However, the nineteen year old had other ideas. Martial can now be described as one of Van Gaal’s main men.
#4 The Klopp era has begun
After the departure of Luis Suarez, Liverpool were back to old ways where they hardly had any killer instinct. The fans were losing patience, and the Merseyside Derby draw was the end of Brendan Rodgers. The man who almost won them the title was fired as the Reds were going nowhere.
The arrival of Klopp is a ray of light in the Liverpool camp. Fans feel it could be the beginning of glorious times once again. The German is still finding his feet and is getting the taste of the competitive nature of this league. However, the victory against arch-rivals Chelsea who denied them the title two years ago has got the campaign going.
However, every game is a challenge for Jurgen Klopp and more than that is the expectations of the fans which he must fulfill. In his squad, there are talented names who can change the entire complexion of the season.
Some players are still a work in progress who can learn a lot under Klopp. After twelve games, Liverpool are tenth and seven points behind the Champions League spot. Another major factor is the Europa League which is often disliked by managers. It will be a test of Klopp’s character as he must use the depth of his squad to get the best of their situation.
#5 West Ham\'s mojo
Slaven Bilic has accepted the English Premier League challenge with arms wide open. He is enjoying his time as West Ham boss especially against the big boys. The Croatian is getting the best out of his players every time they play a potential title winner.
With away wins against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City along with a win against Chelsea, Slaven Bilic is setting high standards already. However, dropping points versus lesser opposition is surprising.
With all the big boys in the bag, West Ham are still sixth in the table. The magic he applies against the big guns is not effective against slightly weak opposition. Currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League table, West Ham has produced some star performers.
One name which stands out is Dimitri Payet. The summer signing always manages to contribute with goals and assists. However, the injury to the 28-year-old is a major blow. The good news is that he does not require surgery on his injured ankle. It’s about time players like Andy Carroll and Victor Moses show more responsibility and answer the prayers of their Croatian manager in the absence of Payet.
