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As the 2024-25 Premier League season approaches its midway point, fans have been treated to a spectacle of extraordinary performances, spectacular goals and unforgettable matches.
Liverpool top the table, with Chelsea and Arsenal in close pursuit.
Champions Manchester City are in the midst of their worst ever run under Pep Guardiola, meaning the title is likely to change hands in May.
It has been a season to forget so far for Southampton, who are bottom of the standings with just six points and one win.
There are plenty of highlights after 17 games, so read on to find out our picks for player of the season so far, best goals, most memorable matches and our predictions for 2025.
Where will your team spend Christmas? 🎄#FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/gvP1axTs40
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Player of the Season: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s talisman and star of the season Mohamed Salah has been in superb form this season.
He made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to reach double figures in both goals and assists in a single Premier League season before Christmas.
In Liverpool’s emphatic 6–3 win over Tottenham, the Egyptian provided his 10th assist and scored twice, taking his season tally to 13 goals.
The achievement also saw him overtake Liverpool legend Billy Liddell, with Salah becoming the club’s fourth all-time leading scorer with 229 goals.
He also surpassed Thierry Henry’s Premier League tally in four fewer games, as well as his 103rd assist, 10 more than the Frenchman.
It is not surprising that it is praised at the beginning of the new year.
Another match-winning Mo Salah masterclass story for Arne Slott’s table-topping @LFC 👑
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Honorable mentions: Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka continues to impress with his versatility and creativity and is essential to help Mikel Arteta’s men keep pace in the title race.
His recent hamstring injury will be a major concern, especially if he is sidelined for the same period as Martin Odegaard, who missed a few crucial games earlier in the season which has been linked to Arsenal’s dip in form.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been a revelation once again, putting in a stunning display to draw comparisons with legends of the game.
Although most fans and pundits wrote him off before the start of the season, his ability to dictate play and goal-scoring threat have been key to Chelsea’s strong league position under Enzo Maresca.
Best Goal: John Duran vs. Everton
what A. Strike. 🤤
John Duran’s long-range effort against Everton has won the Guinness Goal of the Month award for September! #PLAwards | @AVFCO official pic.twitter.com/vXs31jRuJZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2024
Here is a list of the best strikes this season so far but one stands out from the rest.
Aston Villa’s John Duran scored a sensational goal against Everton that stunned fans and pundits alike.
Collecting the ball near the halfway line, Duran showcased his pace and power, dribbling past multiple defenders before unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box into the top corner.
His impact off the bench for Villa has now earned him a starting place, benching Ollie Watkins in recent weeks and keeping him there thanks to his remarkable consistency in front of goal.
Honorable mentions: James Justin and Harvey Barnes
Leicester City’s James Justine scored a remarkable goal against Arsenal, which deserves a mention.
The defender cuts inside from the left before curling an excellent effort into the far corner.
Similarly, Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes scored a similar effort with his right foot against Wolves, showing exceptional technique and precision and proving to Eddie Howe that perhaps he deserves more than the minutes he is getting.
Game of the season: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool
Liverpool move four points clear of Chelsea after a 6-3 win over Spurs! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/s6M7t0cCAw
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 22, 2024
The encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool was a nine-goal thriller that proved why many consider the Premier League the best in the world.
Liverpool’s attacking quartet were in devastating form, with Salah and Luis Diaz scoring twice each.
Despite Tottenham’s all-out-attack approach, Liverpool’s relentless aggression helped them secure a memorable 6-3 victory, cementing their position at the top of the league.
Honorable mention: Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea and Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool
Tottenham’s 3-4 loss to Chelsea was another thrilling encounter, with the two teams exchanging the lead in an attack-filled match that should come as no surprise to Ange Postioklgou’s men at this point.
Newcastle’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool featured end-to-end action, with a late goal ensuring a share of the spoils in a pulsating contest and is also worth mentioning.
Predictions for 2025
After looking back at what has happened, we can make some smart predictions about what might happen in the remaining months of the campaign.
Get admission 💪🔴 #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/abECvx8l3V
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2024
Premier League Winners:
Liverpool’s current form places them as favorites to win the Premier League title.
Their attacking depth and Salah’s brilliance could see them overtake their rivals as we head into 2025.
However, in the last five times Liverpool have been top at Christmas, they have only gone on to win the title once.
Arsenal have finished top in the previous two campaigns, but failed to lift the trophy.
Top four finishers:
- Liverpool
- Armory
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to secure Champions League spots, with both clubs showing consistency and resilience.
Chelsea’s investment in young talents such as Cole Palmer has paid dividends, while Arsenal’s squad depth has been key to their campaign.
Manchester City are nowhere near their best, but you’d still back them to make the Champions League places, especially when they have a fully fit squad and the January window is strong.
Thanks for your support 🩵 pic.twitter.com/CTfWIMC027
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 21, 2024
Relegation Candidates:
The battle to avoid relegation is an interesting one, with newly promoted sides Ipswich Town and Southampton struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Leicester are also facing their challenges, with defensive frailties contributing to their precarious position. However, fans will be rooting for Ruud van Nistelrooy to turn their fortunes around.
Wolves are in the same position, but a 3-0 win at the weekend could be the spark they need to move up and away from the drop zone.
Domestic Cup Winners:
- FA Cup: With the third round set to begin soon, the FA Cup is up for grabs. Manchester United always favor themselves for a run, while the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool will all back themselves.
- EFL Cup: Liverpool are strong favorites to retain their League Cup crown but with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle joining them in the semi-finals, it really is anyone’s game.
