The final placings in the English Premier League went as many soccer experts had predicted, with Manchester City successfully defending its crown. But the race was far from straightforward, with Pep Guardiola’s men relying on a late fightback and stumble from Arsenal. Few expected the Gunners to trouble the top four, but Mikel Arteta’s side came mighty close to causing an upset and winning the trophy.
The champions finished on 89 points thanks to 28 wins, five draws, and five defeats. Despite leading from the front for much of the campaign, Arsenal settled for second place. Stats of 26 wins, six draws, and six losses left them unlucky losers. A case of so near yet so far for a team that hasn’t won the English Premier League trophy since 2004, but was it a case of things to come or another false dawn? You can make predictions with the top sportsbooks listed at vegasbetting.com.
Reds and Spurs must do better
Manchester United posted a third-place finish, with Newcastle United being the surprise package in fourth, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The pressure is on Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea to show massive improvement. How will this season go? Like the millions of soccer fans worldwide, we can’t wait to learn.
Our panel of experts previews the campaign to help readers get ahead of the game and make their early predictions. We’ve followed the pre-season transfers, fixtures, and form. Let’s prepare for kickoff.
Man City aims for four-not-out
Manchester City enters the season as the reigning Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winners. They’ll be pushing hard to realize the board’s dream of becoming the Club World Cup champions too. But what’s next?
It will be an exciting season over at the Etihad Stadium now they’ve finally achieved what they set out to do. Will they sit back and admire their work or keep forging ahead, hoping to become something of a Harlem Globetrotters team? We can’t wait to find out, and this year will show the mentality of everyone connected to the club.
Can Man City successfully defend the Premier League title, making it four on the bounce? You bet. They are miles clear of their domestic opponents, and it would be no surprise to see the Cityzens tighten their grip. Man City is the betting favorite, and almost all ex-players and pundits believe they’ll keep winning.
Arsenal must regroup
Arsenal’s fans have endured a tough few season watching on as their team missed out on the top four and watched the Champions League on TV. The Europa League was the best the team could manage, but the tide is changing. Despite the gut-wrenching disappointment of missing out last season, the Gunners are back.
Please make no mistake; Arsenal threw the title away last term. They had a firm grasp of the trophy and let it slip through their grasp. Mikel Arteta knows that and will make the changes to ensure no repeat. Rumors linking Arsenal with a summer move for West Ham’s Declan Rice are encouraging, and other rumored transfers prove Arteta is after young, hungry, and ambitious players.
We expect Arsenal to continue improving, but they will likely face more formidable competition for the top four from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham. We’ll see if the last term was luck or a sign of the future.
Klopp’s under pressure
It seems strange to talk about Jurgen Klopp and pressure after the Liverpool boss recently led his side to a Premier League title and Champions League final. But that’s soccer, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Fans, clubs, managers, and players demand the best from themselves and those around them.
Liverpool was dreadful last season, ending fifth, and they were fortunate to get that close to the prize places after spending most of the year much lower. The Reds failed to win 19 games and conceded 47 goals. Klopp has bolstered his team with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai, and those arrivals suggest a more dynamic and aggressive midfield. Will it get results?
Our prediction for Liverpool is a return to the Champions League places. It’ll be interesting to see how seriously they take the Europa League this term, as it could distract from their domestic efforts.
Big Ange’s Spurs vision
It’s exciting times over at Tottenham as the club begins life under yet another manager. Spurs turned to former Glasgow Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou who arrives fresh from winning a treble north of the border. He must prove himself to the fans who believe success in Scotland doesn’t prepare a boss to compete in the EPL.
If Ange can keep hold of star striker Harry Kane, he’ll be in a good place. The former Australian national team coach has money to spend like never before and has overseen a summer clearout in North London. The squad looks good on paper, but results matter to the Tottenham faithful now.
Postecoglou knows only one thing for sure; he won’t enjoy a settling-in period at Spurs. Following last season’s disappointment, they want a boss that can get the team challenging for silverware again. Is Ange the man to do that? The first season may come as a shock to the system. Man Utd away doesn’t compare to visiting Dundee Utd.
Burnley v Man City
The season’s opening game is at Turf Moor on Friday, 11th August, as Burnley host Man City. It’s an excellent chance for Pep’s men to hit the front immediately. Three points on the road, a few goals, and an impressive performance would set City on the road to glory.
Looking through the stats, we note the teams played just once last season, as the Clarets were in the Championship. Man City beat Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium in March, with Erling Haaland scoring a hattrick. We go back to 2019 for Burnley’s last goal against City and 2015 for a win. Keep that in mind when making your predictions.
