Footballing Weekly: How 2024 will shape up for English Premier League title challengers
Top five teams in the league table all have a fighting chance to land the prestigious trophy, but all have issues to address as well
SINGAPORE — How are the fortunes of the English Premier League (EPL) title challengers heading into 2024? Here's an analysis of how the top five clubs' title races may shape up:
LIVERPOOL (Played: 19, Points: 42)
Plus points: It has been a oddly satisfying first half of the season for the Reds. They are hardly firing on all cylinders - witness their numerous comebacks from going down to an early goal - yet they have shown tremendous powers of recovery to lose only one match so far. Jurgen Klopp will be happy with how Liverpool's rebuilt midfield have settled in quickly, and how his formidable forward line is chipping in crucial goals with regularity.
Minus points: January will be a major test for the Merseyside club with talismanic forward Mohamed Salah and fast-improving Wataru Endo off for international duties at the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively. Long-term injuries to both left-backs Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas will also severely test Klopp's defensive resources. Can the Reds' powers of recovery keep up until the end of the season? That is a big if.
ARSENAL (P:18, PTS: 40)
Plus points: There were pundits who believed the Gunners' thin squad will be stretched too much this season with both EPL and UEFA Champions League commitments. Yet Arsenal have thrived instead, advancing out of the Champions League group comfortably, while continuing to churn out victories in the league. With new signings Declan Rice and Kai Havertz hitting their strides, the London side have adding some steel and determination to prove last season's second-place finish was no fluke.
Minus points: Even though the wins continue to pile up for Arsenal in the league, there is always a nagging worry that they could go into a funk if their forward line continues to sputter along. The Gunners lack a prolific, clinical striker to mop up goal opportunities created by their vibrant midfield; meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's curious decision to have two first-team goalies - David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale - looks ripe for an unwanted implosion down the line.
ASTON VILLA (P:19, PTS: 39)
Plus points: The surprise story of the season so far, Villa have exceeded all expectations with their flying football. With goalkeeper Emi Martinez an imposing presence, Ollie Watkins sweeping up the goals and their midfielders running rings around most opponents, Unai Emery's side also have the advantage of not having European commitments until March. Can they mount an unlikely title push for their first top-flight league honour since 1981?
Minus points: Just as the public eye fell on Villa after their ascent up the league table, they have floundered somewhat with a draw against Sheffield United and a loss against Manchester United in their previous two games. Can they handle the mental aspects of a title charge, and maintain focus despite the noise?
TOTTENHAM (P:18, PTS: 36)
Plus points: Few thought Tottenham would contend for this season's EPL title - let alone lead the table for several weeks - after Harry Kane departed in the pre-season. Yet, new manager Ange Postecoglou has injected his brand of attacking football that revitalised a side worn down by the negative football of his predecessor Antonio Conte. And Spurs have had a superb start with Son Heung-min and James Maddison running the show.
Minus points: As their three-match losing streak after an unbeaten first 10 games to the season showed, Spurs are a work in progress, with their paper-thin squad unable to sustain the title push once injuries and suspensions creep in. Nonetheless, there is every chance that Tottenham can make a push for Europe spots next season when they get their squad back to full strength.
MANCHESTER CITY (P:17, PTS: 34)
Plus points: Well, they are Man City. And even they are eight points off the top of the table, everyone knows that they are capable on going on a long winning run to overtake all challengers and retain their title for an unprecedented fourth straight time. Buoyed by their recent Club World Cup triumph, Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to improve on their indifferent start to the season.
Minus points: Much as their late-season charges seemed inevitable in recent season, this season may prove to be much more uncertain, with injuries to Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland throwing major spanners in the works. City have looked beatable in recent months, and plenty of doubts have surfaced of their ability to reach the heights of previous years.
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