Premier League: Key talking points as 2024-25 season resumes
The Premier League will resume this weekend, marking the first uninterrupted stretch of the season. The league had earlier been paused for international breaks in September, October, and November. It returns just in time for the busy festive period next month. All eyes are now on Liverpool's brilliance under Arne Slot and Manchester City's recent struggles in addition to Manchester United's new manager Ruben Amorim. Here are the talking points.
Liverpool's impressive run under Arne Slot
Liverpool lead the Premier League standings with nine wins, one draw and one defeat from 11 matches. Slot's men own 28 points. The team is five points clear of second-placed Manchester City (25). Mohamed Salah has led from the front for the Reds. He owns eight goals and six assists in the ongoing Premier League season. Liverpool have the joint-2nd highest goals scored this season in addition to conceding the fewest (6). It will be hard to stop Slot's army.
Manchester City's struggles and Guardiola's future
Manchester City have had a rough patch, having lost four consecutive games across competitions. It's the first time for manager Pep Guardiola (excluding penalty shootouts). Amid speculation of his future and the team's poor form, Guardiola has signed a new one-year contract extension with the club. The deal will extend his stay at Etihad Stadium to 10 years, giving Manchester City a much-needed boost ahead of another tough fixture against Tottenham on Saturday.
Arsenal need to pick themselves up
Arsenal, who finished second for the last two seasons, are four points behind Liverpool. They are level with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton. Arsenal drew against the Blues ahead of the international break and are winless in three matches in all competitions (L2). Notably, the Gunners need to pick themselves up as they are four games winless in the Premier League. Arsenal lost against Bournemouth, drew 2-2 versus Liverpool, lost 1-0 against Newcastle United before a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Amorim's tactical changes at Manchester United
As per reports, Ruben Amorim is expected to use a 3-4-3 formation, a major departure from the standard four-man defense used under former managers Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, he may only have his full squad together two days before his first game as players are away on international duty. United released a training clip this week as Amorim looked busy with the players at his disposal. One waits to see which players make the cut.
Just three points separate 3rd-placed Chelsea and 13th-placed Man United
From third position to 13th, it's all cramped up and with a busy period coming, there could be significant movements. Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Forest all have 19 points each. Fulham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are a point adrift (18). Spurs, Brentford, Bournemouth and Man United are next in the standings. Just three points separate Chelsea at 3rd and Man United at 13th. Whichever side picks up pace and maintains a run, will benefit largely in the coming weeks.
