The gods have spoken and revealed 14th August as the day that would mark the beginning of the next season of the English Premier League. At least we have one thing to thank for in the post-pandemic world, we will not have to wait for long for the new season to start. Even with the delayed start in September the 2020-21 season ended right on time on 23rd May with Manchester City grabbing their fifth Premier League title. The upcoming season now provides some relief and the sense that things are finally getting back to normal.
Did you know that the newest edition of England’s top-flight tournament was founded by 22 EPL teams? While over the years since the modern version of the competitions was introduced in February of 1992, the number has been reduced to 20 teams who participate in the League. Surprisingly since its introduction in 1992, 50 teams have participated in the tournament, and only seven unique teams have won the title to be crowned as the true champions.
Over the years Premier League has become one of the most anticipated tournaments worldwide. It is the most-watched league in the world with over one billion people tuning in every year watching the action unfold from 188 countries. In the 29 seasons so far Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Liverpool are the only clubs who have won the title. While Liverpool was the latest one to join the exclusive list after picking up their first title in 2019-2020 and setting a record of the earliest title won with 7 games remaining.
When it comes to record let’s not forget that Manchester United holds the record for most titles with 13 trophies and amazingly, they all came in the first two decades of the League. Since their last title of 2012-2013, they have disappeared from the winner’s list quite literally as if they are mocking others to beat their record!
Despite United's attempt to hog the title, their local rivals, Citizens has won it five times and even Chelsea and Arsenal have reported multiple wins leaving Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Reds with just one win. Maybe this season we might see one of the other clubs climb the ranks and join the exclusive winner’s circle.
But first, let’s first have a quick recap of the previous season: The late start and the pressure to end the season in May made way for one of the most hectic season with a jam-packed schedule leaving little time for the players to catch their breath. While Managers on the other hand had to deal with more injuries and a number of uncertainties like the coronavirus, and huge budget cuts.
Still, after a lot of tussle for the first spot in the first leg of the tournament, Citizens dominated for most of the season in the second half with a big lead over Red Devils who had almost come to terms with the second-place finish in the end. Surprisingly, Liverpool fought their way into the top four after they posted one of the worst home records in the club’s history and made a comeback with a late resurgence in the end as they denied Leicester City a top-four finish. And lastly, Chelsea’s mid-season shake-up, where they sacked Frank Lampard and hired Thomas Tuchel paid off in the end. They would now get the chance to defend their Champions League title next year after they denied the Sky Blues a treble by beating them in the all-English Champions League final.
Coming on to the upcoming season we can expect a close fight for the title. The 2021-2022 season would start five weeks after the European Championship where England players have played particularly well with Raheem Stirling and Harry Kane’s exceptional gameplay.
Pep Guardiola’s men would enter as the favorites of the tournament but Tuchel led Chelsea would work hard to put up a challenge. Liverpool also stands a chance to win their second title as last season’s injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were the main reason for their losses. Now the duo is ready to jump back into action and have Ibrahima Konate to rely on as well.
Brentford would be one to watch as well, though the newly promoted team might not put up a title fight but, the moneyball tactics and the likes of striker Ivan Toney to rely on, they could very well surprise many, this season. Watford and Norwich City along with Brentford have replaced Sheffield United, Fulham, and West Brom who were relegated last season.
We would get a clearer picture of the next season after the transfer season is concluded. As per the developments so far, City has already lost Sergio Aguero but are linked to Jack Grealish and Harry Kane who can truly boost their chances of winning. Manchester United is being linked with Borussia Dortmund’s star Jadon Sancho who would add more fireworks into an already lethal squad. Tottenham would have a tough time without the Playmaker and Golden boot winner of 2020-2021 if he confirms a move away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but could quench his thirst for a title after a long wait. Jurgen Klopp has added in defensive reinforcements in the form of Konate as the lack of options almost cost them a top-four finish.
Leicester had another disappointing season after being kicked out of the top four in the end for the second season in the row they might extract revenge this time and have brought in Patson Daka already and is being linked with midfielder Boubakary Soumare who helped Lille end PSG’s reign in Ligue 1.
Erling Braut Haaland has also not revealed his future destination and ‘the Terminator’ is being chased by Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United and he would be a huge asset to whichever team he joins. With so many moves yet to be finalized that have the capacity to change the power dynamic in the Premier League, the most cautious approach would be to stick to the top clubs while keeping an eye out on the transfers as well.
Catch the next season with Data Sports Group who provides the ball-to-ball live coverage of all the Premier League matches.
