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Before the beginning of the season, there are certain expectations from teams and players. The English Premier League is not known for surprises since its inception. Sure, we will have an occasional surprise along the way, but it is a rare event.
Unlike the La Liga or the Bundesliga or the Serie A, any of the teams could beat any top team on a given night, and it happens regularly.
But at the end of the season, you will be having the usual suspects at the top - be it the points table, goal-scoring charts or assist charts. Of course, the Leicester team of 2015-2016 is a huge exception.
But there have been a few surprises already this year. Let's take a look.
#5 Jorginho (Chelsea FC)
Sarri-ball at Napoli was highly effective, and Maurizio Sarri knew the importance of the Brazilian born Italian player behind the success of the tactic. Jorginho was brought in to smoothen the transition.
The foreign players tend to take time to get used to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. But there has been no signs of improvement so far. N'Golo Kante was moved to a different position to accommodate him in the team, which didn't go well with the fans.
Although he had a good start at Chelsea, it soon fizzled out. His high number of passes never seemed to bring an end product. And his work-rate has been severely criticized by pundits, and fans alike. He has not responded positively to the man-marking tactics of the opposition, and the fans have made their displeasure clear over his lethargic sideways passing.
An insignificant two-goal return and zero assists in 27 league matches is a colossal disappointment for a $50 million purchase.
He still has the backing of the coach and players. And one would expect him to come off successful in the coming seasons with the club. But he has been disappointing for Chelsea and Premier League this season.
#4 Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth FC)
It is easy to miss the little Scott among stalwarts like Hazard, Pogba, Erikson, Sane, Sterling in this season's assist charts. Ryan Fraser has finally come off age and unveiled his true potential for everyone to see.
Ryan Fraser has managed to take part in all 30 matches of the season so far. He has given an impressive return of 6 goals and more importantly 10 assists. He is second only to Eden Hazard in the assist charts.
He has remained injury free and brings stability to the left side of the Bournemouth attack. His technical awareness has been top notch too. Who can forget the goal against Leicester at the beginning of the season? And his chemistry with the both Wilson and King has worked wonders for the team.
Bournemouth will be expecting more of the same from Fraser for the remainder of the season, as they push towards the top half of the table. Surely, a major surprise of this season.
#3 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC(Wolves)
Where do I even start? The Wolves have been on fire this season.
They are currently seventh in the table above the likes of Leicester City, Everton FC, West Ham - the ones usually in contention for a Europa League spot. Wolves have been the surprise package this season.
They have been scintillating in front of the goal. The duo of Raul Jimenez and Jota has managed to score 18 goals between them so far. The team has the right blend of youth and experience as we can see in their midfield with the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. They have been solid and a critical part of why the counter-attacking style has paid dividends this season.
Everyone now expects the team to stay seventh and nail the Europa League spot.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been the under-rated genius behind the scenes. He has turned things around since he arrived two years ago. The moral of the team is high, with everyone seeming to enjoy playing more than anything else.
If they manage to keep Jimenez and bring in some new talent, they will be the team to beat next season too.
#2 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal FC)
Under the new management of Unai Emery, Ozil was expected to lead the Gunners towards a fresh start. It hasn't exactly gone according to the script.
At the beginning of the season, he was among the leadership group of the club. He was in extraordinary form, with the club going on an unbeaten spree. Then, injuries started to disrupt the flow, and the new hefty contract happened.
There has been no turning back for Ozil after that. Injuries after injuries, along with poor form has seen him struggling to get into the team, let alone the match squad. A mere four goals and two assists in 17 matches, is embarrassing for a player who costs the club £350,000-a-week.
Unai Emery has been upfront with Ozil's issue at the club, repeating that he expects consistency and high work-rate from a player of his calibre. Pundits have been vocal about his lack of drive since the signing of the new contract. Will Ozil be offloaded this transfer window? Or can we expect a much improved Ozil next season at Arsenal?
#1 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United)
Surely the surprise of the season.
"Ole's at the wheel,
Tell me how good does it feel"
Dark clouds were over the club while Mourinho was at the helm. The fans and pundits termed the United side boring and dreadful to watch.
Enter, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The baby faced assassin has done it again for the club. Eighteen matches into his role, the team has lost only twice. More importantly, he has brought excitement and happiness to Old Trafford again. From a theatre of a nightmare, it has become a theatre of dreams again.
Ole has successfully let loose the attacking side of United which was kept under leash before.
The Red Devils are back in the midst for a top three place, FA Cup and Champions League. The comebacks in recent matches have made the United fans reminiscent of the olden days under Sir Alex.
Although he was brought in as a temporary change from Molde FC, there is no way the United board is going to place someone else at the helm next season.
Ole has done enough to cement his place.
