By Dougal Tsakalos – Sports Writer
Since the English Premier League season has just crept over the halfway mark, each team, in alphabetical order, will be looked at in terms of standings, key players and tactics to judge how they are doing so far and why as well as predicting their season finishing position from this point. 4 teams will be assessed in each part.
ARSENAL- current position 6th
Despite the Gunners’ dismal current form, this season has been surprisingly positive for a young side that was disregarded by most pundits were expected to go no higher than a mid-table spot. It seems that Arteta has started to show why he was picked for a managerial role of this club, quite evidently through his side’s playing style and how his players have executed it. Players who were laughed at when signed at the start of this season like Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale have proved their worth for the Gunners and have constantly performed on the pitch.
The young and talented players that were the shining light for the gunners last season continue to impress with Smith Rowe and Saka contributing 14 goals together this season, almost half of the Gunners total goals in the campaign so far. With Arteta behind the helm this season they have begun playing a side-to-side style intended to stretch teams with the very best example of that coming at home against Man City, arguably the best performance of their season despite losing. With a young, motivated squad this team is likely to crack a European spot this year most likely finishing either 4th or 5th
PREDICTED FINISH: 5th
ASTON VILLA- current position 11th
The Villains’ season started off in a surprising fashion when star player Jack Grealish, who had just recently signed a 5-year contract to stay at the claret and blue side, left for Manchester city for a fee of 100 million pounds. While this was not good news as he had become a fan favourite, helping them get promoted as well as escape relegation; it allowed them to bring in an influx of players, which they did. Matty cash, Danny Ings and, most surprisingly, prominent youngster Leon Bailey joined the Villains in the transfer market at the beginning of the season. Their season started off decently with a shock win at Old Trafford and a demolition of Everton.
However, there were also many negative results, including a 5-game losing streak at the hands of Spurs, Wolves, Arsenal, West Ham and Southampton which saw manager Dean Smith let go. Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was brought in from Rangers as his replacement and has improved the side greatly, with players like Watkins and Ramsey impressing especially. Since Gerrard joined, they have only lost to Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, however only by close margins. With the loan signing of the little magician Phillipe Coutinho, the Villains are sure to improve their position and most likely finish in the top 10.
PREDICTED FINISH: 8th
BRENTFORD- current position 14th
The Bees are one of the surprise teams this season, having recently come up from the Championship and managing to avoid a relegation battle all year. Despite currently losing 4 of their last 5 they are a tough team to crack due to Thomas Franks’ style of play. Brentford are a highly energetic side who press and can reposition easily. The current problem with the Dutchman’s side is the overall quality of players outside and inside his first 11, with only a few impressing and being able to keep up with new premier league standard, such as Henry, Toney and Mbeumo.
The recent interest in Christian Eriksen has excited Bees fans as it will bring the quality they desperately need, as well as a strong and creative midfielder to aid the struggling forward line who have only scored 11 goals between the three of them this season, which is worrying especially for star striker Ivan toney who has only managed 6, whilst last season he managed to score 33. Brentford will most likely be safe this season as they have a good strong core of players who understand the system they play in as well as hopefully an exciting summer signing but strengthening their first 11 will be crucial for later seasons.
PREDICTED FINISH: 15th
BRIGHTON- current position 9th
The Seagulls are currently in their best season in the Premier League so far, sitting in 9th on 30 points, only 11 points off where they finished last season in 15 more games. Brighton started off the season well, winning their first 3 games however since then they have only won 2 more and managed to draw 12, a few coming against prominent teams such as Chelsea and West Ham. Graham Potter did not bring many players in at the start of the season that he needed for his system to work. The Seagulls’ goals come mostly from set pieces as they have two tall centre backs that can finish, Adam Webster and Dan Burn, as well as accomplished striker Danny Welbeck who has been impressing this season.
Their other most common threat is from wingbacks Lamptey and Cucurrela who can create chances in the box that are either finished or create a lot of havoc in opponents’ defences. While their defence has improved, a common problem for the Seagulls has been the ability to finish chances due to the quality and type of players up front. Maupay, Brighton’s striker, has only managed to score 7 goals this season with half of them being from spot kicks. While Brighton have improved in the centre and the defensive area of the pitch, they need to improve their quality up front if they want to have a chance at possible European football.
PREDICTED FINISH: 10th
Is Dougal on the mark? Let us know in the comments and stick around for future parts to this series to cover the rest of the EPL teams.
Dougal Tsakalos is a Sports Writer for The Pioneer Australia. A recent addition to the team, his keen eye for Football is already proving an asset.
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