As the Premier League begins the final leg of the 2020/2021 season, I thought it appropriate to list my Top 5 Surprises. We really expected more from some, and less from others.
#1 Liverpool – Even with a lot of injuries, Jurgen Klopp still has a very talented and deep squad, yet find themselves currently in 8th place in the Premier League. Following a title winning season that produced 99 points, the Reds have not won a home match in the PL since mid-December. On the brighter side, they are very much alive in the Champions League.
#2 Sheffield United – After a 9th place finish last season, and a 14-12-12 record, the Blades face certain relegation this year as they are dead last in the league. Chris Wilder’s club has won only 4 Premier League matches, and scored only 16 goals this season. When the wheels come off, they come off.
#3 Arsenal – The Gunners have surely been disappointing this league campaign, They are currently in 10th with little to no hope of qualifying for a Champions League spot, and only an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League through their domestic competition. Mikel Arteta’s squad has also bombed out in the EFL Cup and the FA Cup this season. Only Europa League success will provide any type of redemption for Arsenal in 2020/2021.
#4 Aston Villa – Villa was just one place above relegation last season, however, The Claret and Blue has turned things around this year. They are currently above Arsenal in the league table in 9th, but only 5 points from qualifying for the Europa League at this point of the season.
#5 Leeds United – After dominating the Championship last season, Leeds has come into the Premier League and showed they can compete wit the big boys. Marcello Bielsa’s club is currently 11th in the PL table, but have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future if they can add a few more pieces to their puzzle.
Thoughts?
Cheers.
Gunner1953
The Gunners defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Wednesday to win both matches in this season’s North London Derby. With the win Arsenal moves back into 2nd place on the Premier League table.
According to The Mail, Arsenal, is in advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi at the end of this season for a reported $61.2-million (USD).
Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to full training with the first team after recovering from a knee injury. 
Martin Odegaard, “We need to be sharper in the key moments to make sure we get the results we’ve worked for. We have to keep going and keep improving. There is no choice for us now.”
