Because the 2024-25 Premier League season approaches its halfway level, followers have been handled to a spectacle of remarkable performances, beautiful targets, and unforgettable matches.
Liverpool paved the way on the prime of the desk, with Chelsea and Arsenal in shut pursuit.
Champions Manchester Metropolis are within the midst of their worst-ever run beneath Pep Guardiola, that means the title is greater than more likely to change fingers come Might.
It has been a season to overlook to this point for Southampton, who’re rock-bottom within the standings, with simply six factors and one win.
There have been loads of highlights after 17 video games, so learn on to find our picks for the Participant of the Season to this point, the perfect aim, probably the most memorable match in addition to our predictions for 2025.
The place will your group be spending Christmas? 🎄#FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/gvP1axTs40
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Participant of the Season: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s talisman and star of the season Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating kind this season.
He made historical past on Sunday by turning into the primary participant to achieve double figures in each targets and assists earlier than Christmas in a single Premier League season.
In Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 victory over Tottenham, the Egyptian supplied his tenth help and scored twice, bringing his season tally to 13 targets.
This achievement additionally noticed him surpass Liverpool legend Billy Liddell, making Salah the membership’s fourth all-time main scorer with 229 targets.
He additionally overtook Thierry Henry’s Premier League tally in 4 fewer video games, in addition to netting his 103rd help, 10 greater than the Frenchman.
It’s no shock that he’s receiving a bathe of reward heading into the New 12 months.
The story of yet one more match-winning Mo Salah masterclass for Arne Slot’s table-topping @LFC 👑
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Honourable Mentions: Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka continues to impress together with his versatility and creativity and has been important in serving to Mikel Arteta’s males hold tempo within the title race.
His current hamstring damage shall be an enormous concern, particularly if he’s sidelined for the same interval to Martin Odegaard, who missed some essential video games earlier within the season which correlated with Arsenal’s drop in kind.
In the meantime, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been a revelation as soon as once more, delivering standout performances which have drawn comparisons to legends of the sport.
His capacity to dictate play and his goal-scoring menace have been pivotal for Chelsea’s sturdy league place beneath Enzo Maresca, regardless of most followers and pundits writing them off earlier than the season started.
Finest Purpose: Jhon Duran vs. Everton
What. A. Strike. 🤤
Jhon Duran’s long-range effort towards Everton has gained September’s Guinness Purpose of the Month award! #PLAwards | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/vXs31jRuJZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2024
There have been a listing of sensible strikes to this point this season however one stands out from the remaining.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran scored a sensational aim towards Everton that left followers and pundits in awe.
Accumulating the ball close to the midway line, Duran showcased his tempo and energy, dribbling previous a number of defenders earlier than unleashing a thunderous strike from outdoors the field into the highest nook.
His affect from the bench for Villa has now earned him a beginning spot, benching Ollie Watkins in current weeks and preserving him there because of his exceptional consistency in entrance of aim.
Honourable Mentions: James Justin and Harvey Barnes
Leicester Metropolis’s James Justin scored a exceptional aim towards Arsenal, that deserves a point out.
The defender lower inside from the left flank earlier than curling a elegant effort into the far nook.
Equally, Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes netted an analogous effort together with his proper foot towards Wolves, showcasing distinctive approach and precision and proving to Eddie Howe that maybe he deserves extra minutes than he’s getting.
Finest Recreation of the Season: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool
Liverpool are 4 factors away from Chelsea after a 6-3 win over Spurs! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/s6M7t0cCAw
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 22, 2024
The conflict between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool was a nine-goal thriller that proved why so many regard the Premier League as the perfect on the planet.
Liverpool’s attacking quartet was in devastating kind, with Salah and Luis Diaz every scoring twice.
Regardless of Tottenham’s all-out-attack method, Liverpool’s relentless aggression helped them safe a memorable 6-3 victory, cementing their place on the prime of the league.
Honorable Mentions: Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea and Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool
Tottenham’s 3-4 loss to Chelsea was one other exhilarating encounter, with each groups exchanging leads in a match full of attacking aptitude, which at this level, is unsurprising from Ange Posteoclgou’s males.
Newcastle’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool showcased end-to-end motion, with late targets guaranteeing a share of the spoils in a pulsating contest and can be worthy of a point out.
Predictions for 2025
Having seemed behind at what has been, we are able to make some sensible predictions about what may occur within the remaining months of the marketing campaign.
Get in 💪🔴 #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/abECvx8l3V
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2024
Premier League Winners:
Liverpool’s present kind positions them as favourites to clinch the Premier League title.
Their attacking depth and Salah’s brilliance may see them outpace their rivals as we head into 2025.
Nevertheless, of the final 5 occasions Liverpool have been prime at Christmas, they’ve solely gone on to win the title as soon as.
Arsenal have been prime in every of the earlier two campaigns, however have didn’t go on to raise the trophy.
Prime 4 Finishers:
Liverpool
Arsenal
Chelsea
Manchester Metropolis
Arsenal and Chelsea are anticipated to safe Champions League spots, with each golf equipment displaying consistency and resilience.
Chelsea’s funding in younger abilities like Cole Palmer has paid dividends, whereas Arsenal’s squad depth has been instrumental of their marketing campaign.
Manchester Metropolis are nowhere close to their greatest, however you’d nonetheless again them to make the Champions League locations, particularly after they have a totally match squad and the January window to strengthen.
Thanks on your assist 🩵 pic.twitter.com/CTfWIMC027
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) December 21, 2024
Relegation Candidates:
The battle to keep away from relegation is an fascinating one, with newly promoted sides Ipswich City and Southampton struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s calls for.
Leicester are additionally going through their challenges, with defensive frailties contributing to their precarious place. Nevertheless, followers shall be backing Ruud van Nistelrooy to show their fortunes round.
Wolves are in an analogous place, however a 3-0 win on the weekend could possibly be the spark they should transfer up and away from the drop zone.
Home Cup Winners:
FA Cup: With the third spherical set to kick-off quickly, the FA Cup is up for grabs. Manchester United all the time fancy themselves for a run, whereas the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool will all again themselves.
EFL Cup: Liverpool are the sturdy favourites to retain their League Cup crown however with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle alongside them within the semi-finals, it truly is anybody’s sport.