Premier League Matchweek 11-17 Summary

Tottenham slipped out of the title race in the Christmas period after a narrow loss to Liverpool rendered them briefly unable to recover, going on a fairly barren run

of form that included a pathetic and limp loss to Brendan Rodgers’ high flying Leicester team and 1-1 a draw to Wolves. Arsenal, on the other hand, continued their abysmal relegation-like form for the first few match weeks in December, but a triumphant win against Chelsea on Boxing Day has seemingly sparked something in the players, as they are now steadily but surely climbing back up the Premier League table infused by youth talents Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe. It is likely Willian will never start a league game again for the Gunners. Man United, on the other hand, have had a brilliant time of it in the Christmas period, and have entered the title race. Dodgy penalty decisions or not, they are grinding out results like the Fergie teams of old, with Bruno Fernandes spearing this uncharacteristic and unexpected attack on the title. It remains to be seen if this will be a short lived title charge like Tottenham’s seemed to be (although admittedly, the way things are going this season Spurs could get back into it) or a proper sustained bid for top spot. All will become clear in March and April.

Despite the fluttering and murmurs from other clubs, Liverpool and Manchester City are still the favourites for the league. All due respect to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but his team lacks the leaders and he lacks the mental fortitude and intelligence to be taken seriously in a title race. I could well be proved wrong but for the time being, these are the simple facts; Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are the two best managers in the world. The quality of players they have accrued and developed in the past few seasons is so insurmountable that they must be taken seriously right up until matchweek 38. If I had to put money on it, I would guess that with investment in the January window it is likely Man City might just edge it in the end. I will happily, happily be proved wrong though.