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The Barclays Premier League has been tagged as the best in the world for so many years. Although the top players who lead the Ballon d’Or race play in other European leagues, the EPL still manages to put up the best show week in and week out.There are certain moments that are simply unmatched. From 90th minute winners to crucial goal line clearance, the Premier League produces the best blend of style and substance. Credit should also be given to the quality of broadcasting and marketing that manages to capture a huge audience from all around the world.But ultimately, it’s the action that ends up stealing the show. Here are the top 5 reasons that show how this season has raised the bar in England.
#1 Transformation of once mediocre sides
It’s surprising to see Leicester City are leading the Barclays Premier League table ahead of the traditional powerhouses of England. The number of goals they have scored along with a sudden change in their attitude towards the game is truly remarkable. Scoring the most number of goals, the Foxes are potential title contenders. Last season the same side was rock bottom and they now find themselves 17 points ahead of the reigning champions Chelsea.
The mojo of Algerian winger Riyad Maharez and record-breaker Jamie Vardy is making it all to happen for Leicester. With 24 goals between them, the two new EPL heroes have even outscored the famous Real Madrid trio of BBC (Benzema, Bale and Cristiano).
The rise of Swansea and Southampton in previous seasons are two stories of such brilliance and, sometimes, disbelief. The question that looms large is how long Leicester’s challenge will last. Considering the run of fixtures coming up for Claudio Ranieri’s side, bigger tests await.
Many expected the Manchester United game to be the beginning of the end of their dream run. However, Leicester scored the first goal and were favorites to win it until the Red Devils equalized. Leicester are still going solid and we may have the biggest shock on the cards when the season ends.
#2 Dreams turn into nightmares in no time
The title race gets the best and worst out of teams in no time. The unpredictable nature of this league is what makes it so exciting to watch. We have seen a glorious run turn into a spectacle of disappointment in the blink of an eye.
Manchester United are an example of this. There was a time this season when United were answering the prayers of their fans by scoring a decent amount of goals. Three goals against Liverpool, Southampton and Sunderland saw them cruising along at the top. But the situation now is a barren period that comes along with a tag of boring football. The number of goalless draws is doing nothing but raising the level of frustration at Old Trafford.
Another illustration of a turnaround is from the blue side of Manchester. The Sky Blues were off to a flyer with goals galore as Manchester City were labeled title favorites with many predicting Manuel Pellegrini’s side to take a decent lead by the festive period in December.
What we all have witnessed is a City team that suddenly lacks venom. The killer instinct has gone missing as star-studded names such as Sergio Aguero and David Silva face long periods on the sidelines with injuries.
The example of Jurgen Klopp turning it around for the Anfield club has the Liverpool fans over the moon. However, the defeat to Newcastle has brought them back to earth as they are back on their prayer mats hoping for a top four finish instead of a title challenge.
#3 Relegation fighters
The relegation battle in the Premier League is always a roller coaster ride. The way teams suddenly turn up to turn things around is supreme. This season is no different; the bottom half of the table carries along a surprise in current title holders Chelsea. Things are heating up at Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho’s side just two points away from a relegation spot. While many predicted an arrest to their decline, if things continue in the same manner, we may see a historic journey from champions to the Championship.
The recent victory from newly promoted side Bournemouth over Chelsea yet again proves the amazing nature of this league. The cost of Chelsea’s bench alone was over 40 times more expensive than the entire Bournemouth squad.
Newcastle United’s attitude also deserves a mention. Jurgen Klopp’s side was making all the headlines as it managed to beat Chelsea and Manchester City rather comfortably. But a team in the relegation zone came out on top again with their heroics against a well-organized Liverpool team.
The high standards set by relegation contenders previously are an inspiring example to any team struggling in any sport. The sudden ruthlessness of Wigan, the bounce back of Sunderland and the famous improvement from Leicester City are the high standards set by this league and this season is likely to produce similar storylines.
#4 Race for Champions League football
Epic battles for the top 4 race are in the blood of this iconic league. The season will be historic as last season’s relegation survivors are, at the moment, likely to clinch a Champions League spot. After 15 rounds, just six points separate the top five teams.
The pressure mounting to perform and finally grab a top four finish is on so many teams. The obvious name that makes the cut here is the team from north London’s White Hart Lane.
Tottenham Hotspur promise a lot every season. They have once experienced the merits of qualifying for the Champions League under former manager Harry Redknapp. Redknapp managed a side that shared the same stage as Real Madrid and Barcelona – almost unheard of for Tottenham. Since then, they have tried their luck and failed in the process, at times with luck going against them when Chelsea lifted the Champions League trophy and threw Spurs out despite the Lilywhites finishing fourth.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also thinking big this season. Their fans are enjoying life under a new manager who managed to deliver big time in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and lifted the veil of negativity surrounding Anfield when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.
#5 Unpredictable title race
The title race is still firmly in the balance with Leicester City as surprise table-toppers. The teams who are expected to win the title have found themselves in jeopardy very often. Chelsea, the champions are least likely to defend their title as they continue to struggle. The shadows of a horrible start haven’t left them just yet as they now target a top six finish so early in the season.
Manchester City are a team hit with injuries. Their captain Vincent Kompany has only managed 8 appearances out of 15 and has been the primary reason behind City conceding goals. The Argentine superstar Sergio Aguero along with midfield maestro David Silva has also missed vital games due to injuries.
On the other hand, Manchester United are finally looking to challenge for the title for the first time since the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. However, a lack of a killer instinct in front of goal has raised a number of questions on United boss Louis van Gaal.
Arsenal are another team with massive injury concerns. World class players such as Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla are out injured for a while and Wenger is short of options with long-term injuries to players like Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere.
The month of December will shape the season and could ultimately decide the fate of this league as fixtures come thick and fast in the festive period. The title is up for grabs, who will step up and take it?
