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The Premier League season is already in full flow and this festive period represents the biggest fixture schedule of the whole season. The current top six includes Everton but one would think that a traditional power house like Manchester United will wake up in time to make it back to the top six.
However, success for each team in the top six is relative. While some teams should be satisfied with a top six place and a domestic cup run, others would be absolutely gutted if they do not win the title or any other cup competition.
Here's a look at what each of the top six should consider a successful season.
#1 MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City began the season as they ended the previous one. They are undefeated in the Premier league and through to the last 16 of the UEFA champions league.
Many pundits thought they would struggle a little in the injury enforced absence of Kevin De Bryune but they have not. They are on course to break all the records they set in the league last season.
The major disappointment from this season has been their laboured performances in the champions league. They struggled in the game away to Hoffenheim and the both legs of the Lyon tie.
Success for City this season must involve them reclaiming the premier league title, winning a domestic cup competition and at least a semi final berth in the champions league.
#2 LIVERPOOL
Manchester City are the only reason why Liverpool have not been taken too seriously this season. The Reds have not played as brilliantly as they are capable of but they have managed to go stride for stride with City.
A successful season for the Anfield based club has to include a top two finish and a cup triumph. The greatness of this Liverpool team has to be validated with a trophy.
A quarter final place in the champions league, a cup triumph and a top two finish are the minimum requirement for their season to be considered successful.
#3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR F.C
Many predicted that the North London outfit will struggle this season as a result of their lack of transfer activity in the summer. They may not have played vintage football but they have kept getting the wins under their belts.
They have also produced two world class performances in the premier league to down Chelsea and Manchester United. The next step for Spurs must be to win a trophy and validate the team building effort of the last couple of years.
Success for Spurs this season must involve a cup triumph, quarter final champions league appearance and a place in the top four.
#4 CHELSEA F.C
Maurizio Sarri's men started the season in such bright fashion that many considered them title challengers. They have faltered somewhat with two losses and a draw in their last five matches.
However, patience is key as Sarri's revolution will take time to sink deep into the fabric of the club. The transfer window will also be key to Sarri remodelling the side to his liking.
With this in view, a top four finish, a cup run and semifinal place in the UEFA Europa league should be the minimum requirement for their season to be considered successful.
#5 ARSENAL F.C
Unai Emery's men have been the surprise of the season. Consecutive losses at the start of the season made everyone assume it will be a long season. They have been brilliant since their loss to Chelsea and have gone on a run that equals their best unbeaten run since 2007.
Patience would be key in waiting for the fruits of the Emery era to sprout. The transfer window would also be vital in shaping the side to Emery's image.
Considering how well Arsenal have played this season, they will be gutted to miss out on a place in the top four. However, it should not be considered a disastrous season if they don't make it. A top four place, a domestic cup run and at least a semifinal berth in the UEFA Europa league should be considered a great season for them.
#6 MANCHESTER UNITED
The Red devils have had a terrible season. From the start of pre-season, it has been crisis upon crisis upon crisis. They have gone from 'the best of the rest' last season to the 'worst of them all' this season. They are languishing in 8th place and 18 points behind pace setters City by matchday 15.
At the start of the season, they were among the early favourites. Now they are so far off the pace. A successful season for a club of United's stature has to involve a top four finish, a domestic cup triumph and qualification to the latter stages of the champions league. Whether they can achieve any of this goals is anyone's guess.
