The first half of the premier league season 2015-2016 has served up quite a treat for the fans of English top-flight club football across the globe.
History books have been re-written, Status-quo obliterated, tables have been turned , big personalities welcomed and gigantic fall from grace witnessed.
It all started with Jose Mourinho’s public lashing out at Chelsea’s then club doctor Eva Carniero, with the former holding the latter responsible for Chelsea being left with 10 men, albeit temporarily, on the pitch on the opening day of the season against Swansea. The Portuguese came in for a severe criticism from all quarters and the results on the pitch didn’t help either . To make matters worse, rumours were also rife that Mourinho had fallen out with several first-team stars and was subsequently sacked with the blues languishing at the lower end of the table .
Brendan Rodgers was another high profile sacking as Liverpool football club’s owners gave him the boot and appointed Jurgen Klopp- a decision that sent the Liverpool fans into a frenzy. The German has had an up and down season so far and will require a season or two before the Anfield faithful get to see the free flowing , high pressing football played by Dortmund during his tenure.
Manchester City have yet failed to hit top gear having been blighted by injuries to key players such as Silva, Aguero and Kompany, but they are still considered as favourites by many to wrest the crown back from Chelsea .
Arsenal and Spurs have had a good season so far with both the North London clubs finding themselves at the top end of the table and deservedly so.
Manchester united and Van Gaal are in deep trouble as the club is going through its worst patch since the former oranje manager took over. The Dutchman is the bookmaker’s favourite to get the sack next and if the results don’t improve the future looks very bleak for Louis Van Gaal.
Crystal Palace, Watford and Stoke have done really good and could well find themselves a spot in the Europa League if things go their way.
The fairytale story of the season so far has to be Leicester and Jamie Vardy, in particular, aided by the absolutely brilliant Riyad Mahrez. Leicester find themselves in second position behind Arsenal only on goal difference, thanks to a 11 match consecutive goal scoring streak by Jamie vardy.
Claudio Ranieri’s assured and calm demeanour has helped the Leicester player’s keep their head on their shoulders despite far exceeding the expectations. If the Italian can keep their star players fit and hungry, Leicester have a brilliant chance of finishing in the top 4.
All in all ,the stage is set for an explosive second half to the season. If the first half was an indication to go by, the second half has the potential to be scary and the premier league promises to be as riveting as it gets.