English Premier League (EPL) 2022 Season so far

Posted on November 26, 2022 by SoccerPunter

It was a close battle for the English Premier League title last season. Manchester City claimed it by just a single point on the final day. They could also hold on to that league-winning squad’s core. Hence, it is no surprise that many bookmakers mark them as this season’s title winners. However, while many expected Liverpool to challenge Manchester City this season, it has been a rocky road for Klopp and his men. However, do not write them off just yet.

Preseason Bets

Before the season started, Manchester City was tipped to win the title again. Many bookies placed them at 500 odds and 1/6. Liverpool came in second, with Chelsea third after a disappointing close to last season.

After an altogether disappointing season, Manchester United was placed seventh, below Spurs, Arsenal, and West Ham. At the other end, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth were expected to return to the Championship, along with Championship winners Fulham and Southampton.

In the Beginning

Week 1 saw us erase all memories of Erling Haaland’s no-show in the Community Shield and clear any lingering doubts about whether he would shine in the Premier League. We also saw new manager ten Hag see the amount of work Manchester United needs after a lackluster display against the Seagulls. Chelsea managed to take home the spoils off an unlucky Everton with a largely ineffective display.

Leicester City somehow contrived to surrender a two-goal lead at home to Brentford to draw 2-2. Liverpool also was lucky to draw against Fulham with a goal in extra time. Tottenham was largely impressive against Southampton, with Kane and Son not among the goals. No judgment on Arsenal yet due to their well-known inconsistency, but credit to an impressive win over Palace.

Twists, Turns, and Shock Results

The season’s twelve matches are in, and as expected, there have been many shocks, twists, and shock results. Arsenal has, surprisingly, laid claim to the top spot, dropping points only twice – a loss at rivals Manchester United and a draw at Southampton.

Manchester City lost to Liverpool by a lone goal in a match for the books and drew at Villa and Newcastle. New signing Haaland is terrorizing defenses with his movement and goal threat. With the way he scores, he will break more records en route to nicking his first title and EPL Golden Boot. Salah and Son, beware.

Liverpool has looked like a shadow of their previous selves, struggling to impose themselves on matches. Key players Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Van Dijk, and Salah have yet to be in fair form.

Other Teams and Players to Watch

Crystal Palace has been solid, with key players Zaha and Ayew in fair form making them one of the soccer best bet options. More stars are coming through the ranks – Eze and Olise look like the young player-of-the-season contenders but might need to do much more.

Saliba should feature in both the team of the season and young player of the season – he has been that impressive – and young wonders – Saka and Martinelli have been solid but not spectacular. Xhaka is probably in the form of his career so far, and center-back Ben White was shunted to right back due to Tomiyasu getting injured. He has been impressive there ever since.

West Ham and Leicester City have had almost the same results. While it has been a bit of ill luck for West Ham, it has been more difficult for the Foxes. Just like last season, injuries and the sale of key players with replacements hard to come by are causing the same problems as last season. Tielemans is still key, but Maddison and others need to cut it. The management is quite content, though.

West Ham is still very much themselves as last season when they were on the pitch. However, they should finish well if they keep up with the energy, especially now that they have European commitments. Results have been spirited, though – who knows how far a win at Chelsea could have helped?

Newcastle’s position on the table is always one to wonder about, but in all fairness, they deserve it. They have won more points this year than fifteen other teams, and Eddie Howe deserves accolades. With Almiron’s Puskas-worthy goals and sublime form, they look good for the top 8 this year.

Fulham seems to be dusting themselves off of previous PL disappointments, and Mitrovic has had a say in that. His performance against Liverpool and the first 3 matches of the season shows he has what it takes for this division.

All of these have led to a hasty reappraisal of season bets. However, this does not cause any doubt that Manchester City will be league winners by May. Also, it begs the question, will this be Brendan Rodgers’s final season at Leicester City?

Underperformers: Leicester City, West Ham, Chelsea.

Overachievers: Newcastle, Fulham, Brighton.

New Bets and Positions

With the season well underway, Manchester City is still poised to win the league, and Arsenal is a surprising (but not surprising) runner-up. The top six are Manchester United, who look solid and have not lost in six consecutive matches.

Brighton’s solid start has seen many bookmakers increase their odds, while Liverpool and Chelsea’s slow starts have caused theirs to plummet. Tottenham’s odds are also getting better, thanks to their good start to the season.

Conclusion

The EPL is always one for surprises, so keep your bets safe and tight. Keep sight of Haaland and Manchester City, and expect Arsenal to be Arsenal, although Arteta seems to be building something great at the club.