Premier League is the best league in the world and the competition every season this league shows makes the statement true. This year is no different, in-fact competition is more than ever, with an incredible team leading the table.
Since Pep joined Manchester City, although Klopp's team went toe to toe, the blue squad has dominated the premier league. However, the tables have turned since Mikel Arteta left his job as Pep's assistant and joined his favourite club as manager. That said, after match-day 20, the title race is intense between two sides, with one of them Manchester City (obviously), but the team which is frustrating them is not Liverpool, but Arsenal.
As mentioned above, half of the season has gone. Things are shaping up, the teams' genuine contenders for the title, teams which will finish in the top four and qualify for the champions league, and the team which will be able to secure 5th and 6th positions to keep them alive in European competitions, allowing to the Europa League.
Following are the latest standings of the Premier League table:
1. Arsenal (50 points)
2. Manchester City (45 points)
3. Newcastle United (39 points)
4. Manchester United (39 points)
5. Tottenham (36 points)
6. Brighton (31 points)
Manchester City
Manchester City has played 20 league games and secured 45 points, winning 14, losing 3, and drawing 3. Indeed, Pep's team has yet to perform the way everyone was expected, given their squad strength, squad depth, and recent form.
Even after playing one more game (20) than the top-of-the-table Arsenal, they're five points behind them. However, they'll end up winning the premier league, given their tremendous experience and winning mentality.
Arsenal
Arsenal currently sits at the top of the table with 50 points in 19 games, winning 16, losing 2, and drawing one. They've played one less game than Manchester City but are leading with five points. The Gunners' performance is the most surprising element this season in the premier league.
They started the season with a whole new vibe, and it never looked like at any moment that they were a transition team a few months ago, but they are performing like a veteran full of confidence. However, as mentioned above, due to Manchester City's consistency in recent years and experience, they'll end up second at the table at the end of the season.
Manchester United
Manchester United sits fourth at the table with 39 points in 20 games, winning 12, drawing 3, and losing five. They have the same issues with third on-the-table Newcastle United (39) but sit below due to less goal difference.
Like Arsenal, Manchester United's rise is also surprising this season. However, these two teams' rise can't and shouldn't be compared. Arsenal believed in Arteta and is receiving the award, while Manchester United saw many barriers.
They appointed Erik Ten Hag, a manager different to their playing style. There were doubts about whether he could continue the brilliant job he was doing at Ajax. However, he has defied all the odds and shattered Manchester United to a new level in just a few months.
However, it didn't come quickly, as they saw many setbacks and criticism. Since the start, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't in his plans, and he fined the Portuguese for his unprofessional behaviour.
One week before the World Cup, he gave an interview to Piers Morgan, criticising his teammates, owners, club, and manager, which resulted in the termination of his contract. Since then, they've been playing way more brilliantly. Ten Hag's side will finish third this season.
Tottenham
Tottenham has played 21 league games and has secured 36 points, winning 11, drawing 3, and losing 7. They currently sit fifth on the table; indeed, things aren't going in their way; with Conte criticising its players and being disappointed at the management, we can see him going elsewhere.
However, they still have enough potential to end up fourth, below Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United currently sits third in the table with 39 points in 19 games, winning 10, drawing 9, and losing one. The way things are going, they will become a serious contender for the top six spots.
The club was brought by new management with a record amount in football history, and there were concerns regarding the future. However, they started well and are still doing great. However, due to not much experience and poor recent results, they'll miss out top 4 and will end up fifth.
Liverpool
If you'd told anyone that Liverpool would be sitting ninth after Match-day 19 with 29 points, no one would've believed you. That said, Liverpool's downfall is the most disappointing element this season; they sit ninth with 29 games, winning 8, drawing five, and losing six.
They sold their star but underrated player Sadio Mane in the summer transfer window to Bayern. Since then, they've been exposed, especially up front. With his teammate's departure, expectations were raised from Salah to take charge more than ever. However, he couldn't perform according to the expectations, especially at the start of the season.
Despite all the problems mentioned above, they can change the situation as there is still half the season left. That said, they'll end up sixth at the table.
