With 14 weeks of soccer done and 24 weeks left, many powerful teams are still in the bidding for the league title. With the rest of the season to come, some teams will fight to be the victors and others will come out of the 2015-2016 league with triumph. Who will be the number one champion this season?
Records and statistics accurate as of Thursday, Dec. 1. Research collected from ESPN.com
With a successful season thus far, Arsenal’s chance at clinching the league looks very convincing. The team may have a chance to prevail and come out on the top with the help of key players. Olivier Giroud has contributed with a total of seven goals. The cunning forward knows how to work with his head in the final moments of the game — where about half his goals come from. In addition to Giroud, forward Alexis Sanchez has consistently demonstrated what he can bring to the table adding another six goals. Although Arsenal may not have as many titles as other teams, they did clinch the FA Cup in the 2015 FA Cup Final. Overall, Arsenal has proven to be a strong team that can be consistent, and as the season continues, fans can expect to see Arsenal proving their potential and ultimately winning it all.
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-lready with nine victories, it seems probable that Manchester City F.C. will finish near the top of the Premier League. With 30 goals so far and only 14 goals allowed, Manchester City has demonstrated their determination for top results. Especially with the robust forward Sergio Agüero and his seven goals, Man City has proven they can achieve great things. In the 2013-14 season, Agüero was ranked the fourth leading scorer in the BPL before earning the scoring title the following season behind his 26 total goals. In addition, Man City’s midfielder David Silva also finished last year’s season with 12 goals, making him the tenth leading scorer in the league. To add on to that dynamic offensive line, Man City defender Vincent Kompany has proved reliable in preventing goals. He also led the team to championships in both 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. With the balanced offense and defense, the Man City manager, Marcos Pellegrini, can certainly look forward to a triumphant season.
After making their way back to the Premier League in 2014, Leicester City F.C. has already demonstrated their potential to end the league among the top. Leicester City has already eight wins under their belt this season and with only five draws and one loss, they have proven that absolutely will not go down without a battle. Striker Jamie Vardy has contributed his share of 14 goals. Vardy received Barclay’s player of the month honor in October. Even after being injured in the beginning of the previous season, Vardy came back from injury and helped Leicester find multiple victories. With his contract extension lasting until 2018, Vardy will only continue to help Leicester’s future success with his domination. Although Leicester succeeds in the last third of the field, their defense has not been as strong. With 21 goals allowed so far this season, their defense appears to be one of their weaker aspects.
Despite Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of triumph in previous years, with their recent performances this season, they have displayed their potential to end the league on a positive note. Behind their 6-7-1 record, Tottenham has certainly gritted through some tough battles. On the season, they have scored 24 goals while allowing only 11 goals. In striker Henry Kane’s 14 appearances, he has scored eight goals so far, good for a third of the team’s total goals. In addition to Kane, midfielder/winger Erik Lamelar has proven to be able to compete consistently with a total of two goals and three assists. Not only is he able to execute his opportunities, but he also has an 82 percent passing accuracy. On the other hand, Tottenham does not lack a strong defense, with Toby Alderweireld manning the back. In his 14 appearances, he has an outstanding 108 clearances. With strong players all throughout the field, Tottenham certainly has the ability to come out of the BPL with a victorious record.
Manchester United has proven themselves a powerful team throughout the years with 20 league titles and 11 FA Cups under their belt. So far, Manchester United has been able to compile a 8-4-2 record. Manager Lou Van Gaal has exhibited a smart understanding of how to manage the powerhouse team and get results. The team also has the addition of forward Wayne Rooney. Although Rooney is seen as a destructive and feared of opposition, he has not been as successful as in the past with only two goals in 12 appearances so far. However, skilled midfielder Juan Matas has also added his own four goals and three assists in his 14 appearances. Mata has the ability to help Manchester United perform in the rest of the season, hopefully leading them to among the top of the league.
