This season’s English Premier League has been full of shocks, with several coaches propelled into the spotlight.
Pep Guardiola’s standing as the best manager in the world was cemented following Manchester City’s treble-winning season last season, and he is desperate to deliver a fourth consecutive Premier League victory in 2023-24.
City, on the other hand, is failing to reach the same level this time around, with a potential five-horse title contest on the cards as the established order continues to alter in unexpected ways.
This season could go down to the wire unless Guardiola can find a new winning recipe, and there may even be a surprise name on the trophy before the end.
Jurgen Klopp appears to have resurrected Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is aiming to improve on last season, and Aston Villa have emerged as true dark horses under Unai Emery.
Villa are proving to be a match for anyone at the moment, while Tottenham are also in contention as Ange Postecoglou continues to play probably Europe’s most appealing style of football.
5. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Guardiola has had infinite resources to develop numerous different teams at the Etihad Stadium, but City are not the only Premier League club with that kind of financial clout.
Nobody would be surprised if City won a record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row, owing to Guardiola’s ability to adapt under pressure and in the face of adversity, such as losing star player Kevin De Bruyne to a long-term injury.
In the Belgian’s absence, the likes of Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez have stepped up, while summer newcomer Jeremy Doku has already established himself as the Premier League’s most exciting young winger.
But if City are to win the league again, they will have to go the extra mile. The champions have only won once in their previous five games, a 2-1 victory against Luton, and have also seen star scorer Erling Haaland leave the field with a worrying foot injury.
4. Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham had a difficult few years following Pochettino’s departure in 2019, with Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Antonio Conte all failing to change the culture at a club that had accepted mediocrity for far too long.
Their defensive tactics surely didn’t help, but Spurs have found new life under Postecoglou, who was hired from Celtic to replace Conte in June.
The Australian was tasked with resurrecting a side that finished ninth in the Premier League last season, a task made even more difficult by the likely sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.
Spurs climbed to the top of the Premier League after 10 games, breaking the record for the best-ever start to a season for a new manager, with victories over Manchester United and Liverpool along the way.
Tottenham’s momentum was halted on 6 November when they were defeated 4-1 by Chelsea in a tense London derby, and their anguish was exacerbated by major injuries to Maddison and Van de Ven.
Tottenham would go on to go winless in five games, with a heart-pounding 3-3 draw versus City as the lone bright spot, as a prospective title push faded into the distance.
It is, however, too soon to dismiss Postecoglou’s daring squad, especially following their stunning return to winning ways against Newcastle at the weekend.
3. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
There is no doubt that Arteta has restored Arsenal to their former glory. But it remains to be seen whether he can take that critical next step after his squad capitulated down the stretch in last season’s title fight.
The Gunners will have no excuses if they fail again, having spent over £200 million ($244 million) in the summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Ex-Chelsea forward Havertz, predictably, has yet to justify his high fee, while Arteta’s ruthless decision to replace No.1 custodian Aaron Ramsdale with Brentford loanee David Raya has also backfired.
Arsenal have established the useful habit of grinding out wins when they are not at their best and never letting their heads droop, which demonstrates Arteta’s conviction in the group.
2. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
The 2022-23 season was a disaster for Liverpool, who dropped from City’s main competitors to also-rans virtually overnight due to a serious hangover from the previous season’s unsuccessful quadruple chase.
Klopp’s position was justifiably questioned, but he responded by making significant changes. The German rebuilt his aging midfield by bringing in Alex MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch while parting ways with long-term players Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
These signings have inspired a renaissance, with Liverpool winning 11 of their first 16 games, including a 2-1 triumph against Newcastle in which they played for more than 60 minutes with 10 men.
1. Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Emery is doing an excellent job at Villa Park. The West Midlands club won their 15th consecutive home game on Saturday, defeating Arsenal, only three days after another 1-0 success over champions Manchester City, and they are currently just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Villa have made an incredible comeback since their opening weekend thrashing at Newcastle, and they should now be regarded as real title contenders.
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Emery’s team delivered the best performance of the season to beat City, who were dominated from start to end – a rare event for a Guardiola team – and every player gave their everything for the team.
