As the 2024-25 Premier League season approaches its halfway point, fans have been treated to a spectacle of exceptional performances, stunning goals and unforgettable matches.
Liverpool lead the way at the top of the standings, while Chelsea and Arsenal follow closely behind.
Defending champions Manchester City are going through their worst ever spell under Pep Guardiola, meaning the title is likely to change hands next May.
It has been a season to forget so far for Southampton, who sit bottom of the table, with just six points and one win.
There have been plenty of highlights after 17 matches, so read on to discover our picks for player of the season so far, best goal, most memorable match plus our predictions for 2025.
Where will your team spend Christmas? 🎄#Celebration supplies pic.twitter.com/gvP1axTs40
— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Player of the season: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool star and star of the season, Mohamed Salah, has shined this season.
He made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to reach double figures in both goals and assists before Christmas in a single Premier League season.
In Liverpool's 6-3 victory over Tottenham, Al-Masry provided his tenth assist and scored two goals, bringing his tally this season to 13 goals.
This achievement also saw him overtake Liverpool legend Billy Liddell, making Salah the club's fourth all-time top scorer with 229 goals.
He has also surpassed Thierry Henry's Premier League tally of four fewer appearances, as well as registering his 103rd assist, 10 more than the Frenchman.
It's no surprise that he's receiving a barrage of praise heading into the new year.
Another masterpiece story of Mo Salah winning a match to top the table for Arne Slot @LFC 👑
— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Honorable Mentions: Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka continues to impress with his versatility and creativity and has been key in helping Mikel Arteta's men keep pace in the title race.
His recent hamstring injury will be a major concern, especially if he is sidelined for a period similar to Martin Odegaard, who missed some crucial games earlier in the season which has been linked to Arsenal's decline in form.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Cole Palmer was once again a revelation, producing standout performances that made him comparable to legends of the game.
His ability to dictate play and his ability to score goals has been pivotal to Chelsea's strong position in the league under Enzo Maresca, although most fans and pundits wrote that off before the start of the season.
Best goal: John Doran vs Everton
What. A- Strike. 🤤
John Doran's long-range strike against Everton won the Guinness Goal of the Month award for September! #PLAwards | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/vXs31jRuJZ
— English Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2024
There has been a catalog of impressive strikes so far this season, but one stands out from the rest.
Aston Villa's John Doran scored a stunning goal against Everton, leaving fans and pundits in awe.
Collecting the ball near the halfway line, Duran showed off his speed and power, dribbled past several defenders before firing a thunderous shot from outside the box into the top corner.
His impact from the bench at Villa has earned him a starting place, with Ollie Watkins on the bench in recent weeks and keeping him there with his impressive consistency in front of goal.
Honorable Mentions: James Justin and Harvey Barnes
Leicester City's James Justin scored a fantastic goal against Arsenal, which is worth noting.
The defender cut in from the left flank before curling a stunning shot into the far corner.
Likewise, Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes scored a similar right-footed goal against Wolves, displaying exceptional technique and accuracy and proving to Eddie Howe that he probably deserves more minutes than he gets.
Best match of the season: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool
Liverpool advances by four points over Chelsea after beating Tottenham 6-3! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/s6M7t0cCAw
— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 22, 2024
The clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool was a nine-goal thriller that proved why the Premier League is considered by many to be the best in the world.
Liverpool's attacking quartet was in devastating form, with Salah and Luis Diaz each scoring twice.
Despite Tottenham's all-out attacking style, Liverpool's relentless aggression helped them secure a memorable 6-3 win, cementing their position at the top of the league.
Honors: Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea and Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool
Tottenham's 4-3 loss to Chelsea was another exhilarating encounter, with the two teams exchanging leads in a game full of attacking flair, unsurprising at this stage from Ange Postioklju's men.
Newcastle's 3-3 draw with Liverpool showed all-round work, with late goals ensuring a share of the spoils in a pulsating and also noteworthy contest.
Forecast for 2025
Looking back, we can make some smart predictions about what might happen in the remaining months of the campaign.
Enter 💪🔴 #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/abECvx8l3V
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2024
Premier League Winners:
Liverpool's current form puts them among the favorites to win the Premier League title.
Their attacking depth and Salah's brilliance could see them leapfrog their rivals as we head into 2025.
However, of the last five times Liverpool have been top at Christmas, they have only won the title once.
Arsenal had been top in each of the previous two seasons, but failed to go on to lift the trophy.
Top four winners:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to secure a place in the Champions League, with both clubs showing consistency and resilience.
Chelsea's investment in young talent like Cole Palmer has paid off, while the depth of Arsenal's squad has been instrumental to their season.
Manchester City are nowhere near their best, but you'd still back them to reach the Champions League places, especially when they have a fully fit squad and a January window to strengthen.
Thank you for your support 🩵 pic.twitter.com/CTfWIMC027
– Manchester City (@ManCity) December 21, 2024
Relegation candidates:
The battle to avoid relegation is an interesting one, with newly promoted sides Ipswich Town and Southampton struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Leicester also have their challenges, with defensive weaknesses contributing to their unstable position. However, fans will be backing Ruud van Nistelrooy to turn their fortunes around.
Wolves are in a similar position, but a 3-0 win at the weekend could be the spark they need to move clear of the relegation zone.
Local Cup Winners:
- FA Cup: With the third round starting soon, the FA Cup is up for grabs. Manchester United always fancies themselves a run, while the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool would be backing themselves.
- English League Cup: Liverpool are strong favorites to retain their League Cup title, but with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle alongside them in the semi-finals, it's really anyone's game.
