As half of the season comes to a close, the table is not what many would have expected. With small teams such as Sheffield United and Wolves coming sixth and seventh respectively, and big teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham sputtering, let’s have a look at the three teams soaring to success somewhat unexpectantly.
1) Leicester City
Of course, Leicester was always going to make this list, but what many would not have expected is that they would have entered 2020 sitting third in the league. This is all thanks to their head coach, Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers has had a taste of the Premier League when he came close to winning it, but unfortunately for him and Gerrard’s balance, the title found its home in Manchester City’s trophy cabinet. Rodgers’, most salient players have been their fullbacks, Periera and Chilwell. Centre-halves Soyuncu and Evans and most importantly, Vardy and Maddison. Vardy is in the running for Europe’s Golden Boot with 17 goals this season already. Leicester looks as if they are an invigorated side under Rodger’s, and will surely compete for European football, next season.
2) Sheffield United
Chris Wilder‘s team has overwhelmed the expectations of their fans, let alone others. He started his journey as manager of Sheffield in 2016 when they sat in League One. Their rise to the top has been magical, coming second in their season of the Championship. Chris Wilder’s success can be credited to many players. Their wing-backs, Lundstrum and Baldock. The wing-backs have 5 goals and 5 assists between them, their assists going to strikers Mousset, and McBurnie who have 9 goals between them. One crucial player who plays in center-midfield is John Fleck, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists. Sheffield has surprised everyone, and sit 6th, at the time of writing. They have 8 wins and 8 draws, till now with 2 draws coming against Manchester United and Tottenham, and a win against Arsenal.
3) Wolves
Wolves have had a transcendent run so far under Nuno Espirito Santo. He has maintained the core that won them the championship and has added to that, with enhancements such as Jimenez and Moutinho. Santo plays a 3-4-3 with Jonny and Doherty playing as wing-backs. Wolves play with demonic speed, with Pedro Neto and Adama Traore in their ranks. Wolves have impressed fans this season, after doing the double against Manchester City and drawing and Manchester United. Their attacking nucleus includes Neves, Jimenez, Jota, and Traore. However, their stay at Wolves is under threat after interest from clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Let’s hope these underdogs can maintain their stay at the top half of the table, and keep on providing us with shocking upsets.
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