Premier League analysis

To begin with, the new leaders in The Premier League after the 12th round are Chelsea! The Blues have been very solid from the beginning of the season and the main reason for that is their manager Antonio Conte, who inspired his players to show their best form on the pitch. The Spanish forward Diego Costa can’t stop scoring goals. He secured the three points in the last Chelsea’s match against Middlesbrough. Costa has found the net on 10 occasions this season! Eden Hazard, Willian and Victor Moses have also performed well, as they are the key players for The Londoners.

Manchester United played against Arsenal in the derby match of the 12th round. The Red Devils looked better on the pitch, but they couldn’t win the game, because of Arsene Wenger’s very good decision. The French manager brought Giroud from the bench and the striker scored a late equalizer, to win a point for his team. That was the 17th consecutive match without a defeat for The Gunners in all competitions! However, Manchester United showed a good performance, but they were denied by Petr Cech, who made several great saves.

The only unbeaten team in The Premier League remains Tottenham Hotspur. The Spurs won against West Ham United 3-2 at White Hart Lane. With the victory, they are now lying in the 5th position with 24 points collected, just 4 behind the leaders Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s players were a little bit lucky to win the game, because they were 1-2 down with 2 minutes to go, but Harry Kane scored two late goals to secure the 3 points for his team. On the other hand, The Hammers have only won 11 points in 12 matches this campaign, which is extremely below the expectations.

To continue with, Liverpool recorded a 0-0 draw at The St. Mary’s Stadium. The Reds were dominating against The Saints, having the possession of the ball in 68% of the time. And even though, Jurgen Klopp’s players made 10 shots towards Forster’s goal, they couldn’t find the net. That was the third match for The Reds, in which they couldn’t score at least once.

The most surprising result came from Goodison Park, where Swansea City left with a point. The Swans opened the score, with a penalty goal, scored by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Seamus Coleman equalized with a header in the last minute of the game. With the draw, Everton have collected 19 points and are lying in the 7th position in the standings.

Sunderland won their second victory of the season. The Black Cats smashed Hull City 3-0 at the Stadium of Light and collected 8 points. Jermain Defoe scored his 150th Premier League goal, equalizing Michael Owen’s goal-scoring record! It’s interesting that this season seems to have a similar scenario for Sunderland like the last two campaigns of The Black Cats. And you all know what happens in the end of it – Sunderland remains in the league!

Even though the referee awarded Stoke City a penalty against Bournemouth, The Potters couldn’t equalize, as Bojan missed from the spot and the goal, which was scored by Ake remained the only in the game. That was the 4th victory for Bournemouth this season! In the other match, the champions Leicester City surprisingly lost 2-1 to Watford at Vicarage Road. All the goals in the match were scored in the first 15 minutes.

At both ends, now the favourites for the title are even more obvious. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City seem to be the strongest teams in the league this season. Arsenal may be included in the battle, while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are going to fight for a Champions League place for the next campaign. Just on the opposite side of the table, Hull City and Swansea City are now deeply involved in the relegation battle! Crystal Palace have also been in a nightmare run, losing 5 consecutive Premier League games. Middlesbrough are also hesitant, so a lot of questions in the relegation battle this season.