We are 12 league games into the 2022/2023 Premier League season and a lot of drama has been served. Manchester City, the usual suspects are tearing it up at the top end of the table, while there have been below-par performances from the likes of Liverpool! The lads at Newsblits have learned a thing or two from the Premier League season so far. Here’s what we’ve learned.
1. Arsenal are title contenders
Finally, Arsenal can be considered ‘title contenders’ after their brilliant display this season. The Gunners sit top of the table after a dozen rounds of fixtures played. Having amassed 31 points out of a possible 36, it is safe to admit that Arsenal are once again title contenders. A laudable achievement considering their recent past. Mikel Arteta has his boys firing again on all cylinders. Even though there is still a long way till the end of the season, Arsenal does look like the only side capable of rivaling Man City for the title this term.
2. Liverpool off the pace
Not the best piece of news if you are a Liverpool fan but the Reds have been way off the pace this season. Having fiercely battled Man City for the title over the last 5 seasons, Jürgen Klopp’s side looks like a shadow of their former self this term. Lost Sadio Mané to Bayern Munich last transfer window, missing some key first-team players due to injury, Mo Salah not consistent, full back not yielding expected ‘attacking’ returns, Liverpool just has enough problems on their hands right now! They may yet recover to mount a late title challenge but 16 points from 12 games and in 9th place is not a desirable position.
3. Rejuvenated Rashford wasn’t in the right ‘headspace’ last season
Away from Merseyside, and to the Theatre of Dreams where Marcus Rashford seems to have found his grove just in time for the FIFA World Cup. The 24-year-old scored the only goal in his side’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday. It was Rashford’s 100th goal for Manchester United.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game at Old Trafford, Rashford said
“It’s been on my mind the last couple of games, I’ve been waiting for it to come, and thankfully it did.”
Rashford who was one of the underwhelming players for United last season has already scored 4 goals in the league this season. Speaking of his recent form, Rashford added “It’s a completely different energy around the club and the training ground. That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now”
4. Not Ronaldo’s season
While one Man United forward is celebrating a decent run of form, another is experiencing arguably the worst form of his career. Portugal legend, Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself out of favor with new manager Erik ten Hag. For the 37-year-old, goals and playing time has been hard to come by this season. A rare league start on Sunday in Antony’s absence, was Ronaldo’s chance to stake a claim at starting berth. However, he failed to capitalize. As per Football Today, first-team manager Erik ten Hag says Ronaldo cannot be guaranteed a starting spot unless he proves himself on the pitch!
5. Haaland tearing up a storm
Talk of a striker in form? Get in Haaland! Man City have certainly found themself a beast of a striker. In red-hot form, Erling Haaland is currently banging in the goals in the Premier League. He is scoring at a rate never before seen in the PL. 17 league goals already this season and the Norweigian isn’t looking back. He is an absolute monster in front of goal, a goalkeeper’s nightmare!
6. Potter’s Chelsea not ‘Cheesy’ yet
New Chelsea manager Graham Potter was handed a first defeat away at his former side Brighton. His successor at the AMEX stadium, De Zerbi got the better of Potter’s Chelsea on Saturday, condemning the Blues to a heavy 4-1 defeat. A result that means they are now winless in their last 3 league outings. A contrast of their 3 wins in the 3 league games prior. Perhaps Potter would need more time to get this Chelsea team playing and winning consistently.