A new year brings a fresh start and gives renewed hope to one and all. With the start of the new year, one can start afresh, leaving the bitter memories of the year gone by behind and hoping to cross new milestones in the next year.
With the Premier League season stretching across the new year – starting in August and ending in May; football is slightly different as teams can not start on a clean slate from January. However, looking at performances, stats and records over a calendar year is extremely informative as it paints a completely different picture.
Major movement for Leicester, Chelsea
This time, last year, the Premier League table was a completely different sight as compared to what the current standings show. At this stage a year ago, all the teams had played 20 matches, while 19 gameweeks have finished in the 2015/16 season.
Chelsea were top of the league on new year’s day last year while this year they languish at an embarrassing 14th position with just 20 points at the halfway stage. Surprise package of the season, Leicester City, have completely flipped around their fortunes as they are competing at the top end of the table, lying in 2nd spot with Arsenal pipping them to the top courtesy of a better goal difference. In contrast, Leicester occupied the bottom place at this time of the year in 2015.
Table toppers Arsenal were competing were already 13 points adrift off the top spot in 6th place last season while Southampton, currently 12th, were pushing for a Champions League spot, flying high at 4th place. Manchester United’s poor performances off late sees them in 6th spot now as compared to 3rd just 365 days ago.
Liverpool are 1 point and 1 place better off as compared to last year as they find themselves in 7th spot under new manager Jurgen Klopp. Manchester City were competing at the top end last year as well and they are near the same place this season. Tied on top spot a year ago, they are just 3 points off the top spot currently. Tottenham have been consistent by notching up 1 more point this year, which sees them 1 place better, in 4th.
Lowly Aston Villa were sitting comfortably in 12th spot last year with 22 points from 20 matches whereas this season sees them at the bottom with just 8 points from 19 matches. Everton have improved their position in the league by 2 places while Sunderland have fallen 5.
Here is a look at the Premier League table from 1st January, 2015 and today (1st January, 2016):
