The premier league has reached its midway now with a total of 18 games played with Chelsea unexpectedly leading the table with 46 points. High returns were expected from the amount spent by Manchester United, who are still struggling at 6th on the table. While Tottenham seem to chase their bitter rivals Arsenal yet again, Liverpool has climbed up the ladder at 2nd spot. However, the satisfaction of Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City may not be satisfied enough at 3rd. 

Half way through and there’s a lot to be expected out of these big teams, they need to focus on not just qualifying for the Champions League but also how to reign. Arsenal seem to be consistent in their premier league arena which seems like they do not want to compete for the title but to qualification for the Champions League is their only goal. Consistency can prove to be fatal for Arsenal. Teams such as West Ham, Tottenham, Everton are not top seeded but have proved themselves by winning crucial matches and showing the improvement and the zeal to catch up with their opponents.

Manchester United spending spree fails to show result

After three non-performing years, Manchester United has made the move they should have done and appointed Jose Mourinho as the manager, who is known for trophy winning attitude. The former champions of England were once known for their quality and consistency of play, and the hopes of the club continue to suffer even now. Manchester United have not finished in the top three since Ferguson retired and it was expected to change this year.

Mourinho has been always been choosy in his dealings, with Mkhitaryan and Zlatan known for their goal scoring ability. The record transfer of Paul Pogba, who seems to bring the missing dynamism in the field is also one among the many expected changes one can see in Manchester. The Manchester we are seeing today is Mourinho’s united club, which does not believe in possession for possession’s sake.

At least that is what was expected, however, their fate has taken a different turn and can be said as Underdogs in the premiership. With a 13 point deficit from the top of the table, it would make for a heroic comeback if they can make it to the top of the league.

Tottenham Hotspur in the shadows of Arsenal

A dramatic season once again for Tottenham, nonetheless finished on the same line for the 21st consecutive year, behind Arsenal. At one point of time, Spurs looked like the best team in the league. But, a third-place finish secured direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League for them in what was a two-horse race for the title last year.

Given the pace Pochettino’s team play at, strength in the depth is imperative which can help Tottenham to achieve fairly better results. The fast movement of players, anticipation for the ball and great team understanding is shouldered on players such as Kane, Dier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose.

Yet, if Tottenham should be a stronger team, they need to focus on qualifying for the top 4 and also break their 21 year record against their rival Arsenal. Last season may have presented their best chance to win the title. This season it is much more difficult, but it is difficult to rule the Spurs out of the title shot as they steadily maintain 4th spot.

Chelsea downfall and rise

Chelsea were the under-performers of the last campaign. One can say this was the worst title defense in the history of the league, however, they are facing stiff competition from the current holders of the Premier League, Leicester City. The blues manager Antonio Conte can think of taking Chelsea only in one direction. The question is whether he will be able to take Chelsea to the epitome from where they fell. The flip-flop start to the campaign probably had people thinking otherwise, but as the Italian gained his footing there was no looking back.

Yet, Conte believes he has a team that has proved it can win the title, which is showcased by Chelsea perfectly in this season. Chelsea is further benefited with the lack of Champions League football and can focus solely on regaining England before they set sights on the continental championship.

Given the frequency at which Conte has played his preferred line-up it may not be long before they run out of steam and the January transfer window will be crucial to see whether Chelsea adds more competition among its starting XI.

Contrary to last year, Chelsea is having a convivial time wining consecutive matches and competing for the title. Though Last year was fallout for Chelsea, this season they just have a point to prove.

Southampton: still filling the gaps

Yet another year for Southampton and yet again they dealt with another summer with another sell-off. The departures were manager Ronald Koeman, winger Sadio Mane, striker Graziano Pelle and midfielder Victor Wanyama. Almost the whole crux around which the team was built last season.

However, Southampton has always out-shined in recruiting both manager and players, so there should not be a sense of panic. Nathan Redmond comes as a replacement of Mane and is expected to bring the same pace and incision and may prove a like-for-like.

But, while there is qualitative element in their starting 11, they have to take their task seriously and ensure that they do not slip down the table from where they are now. Incredible form keeps them 8th in the league winning their last 4 from 5 matches. It will be surprising to see what Southampton has to offer now, whether it will be Europa league or they may be compete with the champions.

Chelsea though is leading the title charge could still be considered an underdog given their downfall last year. However, each of these teams stand an outside chance of making big improvements from their form and performance in the last campaign. And, apart from Southampton each of the team has a good chance of even winning the title, if not a clear one, surely an outside chance does exist.

Image Courtesy: Sky Sports