By Aminu Wada
There stands a lot of reasons why the English Premier League is regarded as the most watched and highly competitive league in European football. Of course, many of these narratives stem from the fact that the league is better marketed to a wide audience that spans the club and its connection to a vast fan base. However, there is also the X factor; unpredictability.
The Premier League has graced the world with countless jaw-dropping moments that fans will cherish forever. From the thrill of the title race to the intense clashes between coaches, and the playful banter that brings smiles to our faces, every season tells its own unique story. However, this season’s tale is one for the history books, as it unfolds without the usual quest for the coveted title.
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The world and even Arsenal have already handed over the title to Manchester City, following the humiliating defeat at the Etihad for the Gunners recently and their 3 consecutive draws in games they were largely considered favourites to win. However, the unlikely interest worth the excitement is the chase for a top 4 finish between Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and, as hard as it is to imagine now, Liverpool.
Newcastle United this season became the X factor in such conversation, following a remarkable season that has seen the Magpies race into the third spot in the league table, toppling established big boys that are Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
They currently hold a safe lead against rivals outside the top four in Spurs and Liverpool to guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League spots, but going into the conclusion of the 38-game season, they face exciting teams that could halt their aspirations for Champions League football should they slip up.
Tottenham Hotspur are seen as the near beaters, who get so close to the finish line but slip up before they can cross it, but seeing a fighting back spirit against Manchester United in their 2-2 draw, the world may not be quick to write Spurs off.
They were in this position last season when Arsenal were widely favourites to clinch a top-four finish, only to nab fourth place from the Gunners at the death. With the premier league being so unpredictable and the North London team having the surprise factor, their opponents relaxing on them could come back to hurt them when least expected.
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Liverpool, for the past four seasons, have displayed an insatiable hunger for challenges. They’ve shown that they are capable of stringing together impressive winning streaks in pursuit of their objectives. The daunting task of overcoming their opponents’ points leads has proved to be a herculean feat, but Liverpool remains a formidable contender for a top-three finish, provided that they secure positive results against their top-four rivals.
Newcastle, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, and Aston Villa are all that stand in the way of Liverpool’s dreams of securing a coveted Champions League spot. While it may seem like a far-fetched notion, the mathematics of it all suggests that it’s an attainable possibility, adding a thrilling element to the season’s closing stages.
Aminu Wada writes for Eko Hot Blog. This media platform reserves all rights to this article.
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