The Premier League relegation zone

Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich are clubs currently in the relegation zone with Norwich looking almost a certainty for the drop. The clubs in relegation zone must be hoping that the 2019-20 season is voided and they get yet another shot at playing in the Premier League.

Since their promotion to the Premier League in 2015, Bournemouth have punched above their weight achieving respectable mid-table positions. However, this season has been challenging. Bournemouth and their long-standing manager Eddie Howe have seen much tougher days in the past but money at stake is the highest now. While Bournemouth has been unlucky with injuries, players like Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson have seen a big drop in form. Eddie Howe, who is currently the longest serving manager of a single club in English football, will have to bring in all his experience and man-management skills to save the Cherries from the drop.

Aston Villa were promoted last year after a 3-year stint in the Championship led by a 25-goal haul from Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham. However, on current form they seem headed right back down. Villa’s defence has been the worst in the Premier League and the key reason for its presence in the relegation zone. Villa has been bad on all defensive parameters – most goals conceded (56), least clean sheets (4) and most shots faced (507). Jack Grealish, with 8 goals and 7 assists has been the only saving grace. Dean Smith needs a miracle to save Villa from the drop.  

Norwich City performances this season have flattered to deceive. Norwich has had some good individual performances – Teemu Pukki with 11 goals, playmaker Emi Buendia with 7 assists, youngster Todd Cantwell (6 goals, 2 assists) who is now being linked with bigger clubs and veteran goalkeeper Tim Krul (saved 3 penalties). However Daniel Farke, the club’s first foreign manager has been unable to bring it all together. The Canaries were unable to build on their early glorious win over Manchester City. Norwich lie bottom of the table, 6 points from safety and least number of goals scored. Only thing that lies between Norwich and relegation is Corona virus. 

Premier League season lookback

The forced break must be frustrating for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s men were top of the table by 25 points and looking forward to their first Premier League trophy. They have played unbelievable football since the start of the season and fully deserve the trophy. They built on their Champions League win and looked unstoppable.

The team has benefited from stability with the rock-solid centre back Virgil Van Dijk , the attacking trio of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and goalkeeper Allison Becker forming the core. The young guns, full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold have continued their dazzling performances. However, Liverpool will miss out on Arsenal’s invincibles record having lost to Watford.

After a solid early start, defending champions Manchester City lost their way. Their star playmaker Kevin de Bruyne has led the way with 16 assists. However, the injury to Aymeric Laporte was a big setback and hampered their performances significantly.

The 2016 champions Leicester City had an incredible start to the campaign including a record 9-0 win over Southampton before losing steam in the latter part of the season. Jamie Vardy has powered the Foxes with 19 goals including scoring in 8 consecutive games ably supported by youngsters Ayoze Perez and James Maddison.

Chelsea has had a mixed season so far and should consider themselves lucky to be in the Champions League spots. The transfer ban meant Chelsea manager Frank Lampard had to rely much more on young players Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson Odoi, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount. Veteran Willian has had stand out performances.

In my next post, I will summarise the performances of PL teams in the relegation zone.