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 table, closely followed by Chelsea and Arsenal.
Champions Manchester City are in the midst of their worst run under Pep Guardiola, meaning the title is more than likely to change hands in May.
It’s 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 games, so read on to find out our picks for player of the season so far, greatest goal, most memorable match as well as our predictions for 2025.
Where will your team spend Christmas? 🎄#FestiveFixations pic.twitter.com/gvP1axTs40
–Premierleague (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
Player of the season: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool talisman and star of the season Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating form this season.
He made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to reach double figures in goals and assists before Christmas in a single Premier League season.
In Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 victory over Tottenham, the Egyptian provided his 10th assist and scored twice, taking his season tally to 13 goals.
The feat also saw him surpass Liverpool legend Billy Liddell, making Salah the club’s fourth all-time top scorer with 229 goals.
He also surpassed Thierry Henry’s Premier League tally in four fewer games, and made his 103rd assist, 10 more than the Frenchman.
It’s no surprise that he’s receiving a shower of praise as the new year approaches.
The story of another winning masterclass from Mo Salah for Arne Slot table-topping @LFC 👑
–Premierleague (@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 played a vital role in helping Mikel Arteta’s men keep pace in the title race.
His recent hamstring injury will be a big concern, especially if he is out for a similar period to Martin Odegaard, who missed some crucial games earlier in the season, correlating with Arsenal’s dip in form.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was once again a revelation, delivering standout performances that drew comparisons to legends of the game.
His ability to dictate play and his goal threat have been vital to Chelsea’s strong league position under Enzo Maresca, despite most fans and pundits writing them off before the start of the season.
Best goal: Jhon Duran v Everton
What. A. Strike. 🤤
Jhon Duran’s long-range effort against Everton won the Guinness Goal of the Month award for September! #PLAPrice | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/vXs31jRuJZ
–Premierleague (@premierleague) October 11, 2024
There has been a catalog of brilliant strikes so far this season, but one stands out above the rest.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran scored a sensational goal against Everton which left fans and pundits alike in awe.
Collecting the ball near the halfway line, Duran showed off his pace and power, dribbling past several defenders before unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box into the top corner.
His impact from the bench for Villa has now earned him a starting place, putting Ollie Watkins on the bench in recent weeks and keeping him there thanks to his remarkable consistency in front of goal.
Honorable mentions: James Justin and Harvey Barnes
Leicester City’s James Justin scored a remarkable goal against Arsenal, which is worth mentioning.
The defender cut inside from the left flank before curling a sublime effort into the far corner.
Similarly, Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes produced a similar effort with his right foot against Wolves, displaying exceptional technique and precision and proving to Eddie Howe that he perhaps deserves more minutes than he doesn’t get any.
Best match of the season: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool
Liverpool are four points ahead of Chelsea after a 6-3 victory against Spurs! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/s6M7t0cCAw
–Premierleague (@premierleague) December 22, 2024
The clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool was a nine-goal thriller that proved why so many people consider the Premier League to be the best in the world.
Liverpool’s attacking quartet were in devastating form, with Salah and Luis Diaz each scoring twice.
Despite Tottenham’s all-out attacking approach, Liverpool’s relentless aggression helped them secure a memorable 6-3 victory, cementing their position at the top of the Championship.
Honorable mentions: Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea and Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool
Tottenham’s 3-4 defeat to Chelsea was another exhilarating encounter, with both sides trading leads in a match full of attacking flair, which at this stage is no surprise from Ange’s men Posteoclgou.
Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against Liverpool showed end-to-end action, with late goals securing a share of the spoils in a thrilling contest and is also worth mentioning.
Predictions for 2025
After reviewing what happened, we can make intelligent 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 positions them as favorites to clinch the Premier League title.
Their attacking depth and Salah’s brilliance could see them leapfrog their rivals heading into 2025.
However, of the last five times Liverpool have been top at Christmas, they have only won the title once.
Arsenal were first in each of the previous two campaigns, but failed to win the trophy.
The first four:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to secure Champions League places, 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 in their campaign.
Manchester City are far from their best, but you’d still back them to advance to the Champions League places, especially when they have a fully fit squad and the 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 face their challenges, with defensive weaknesses contributing to their precarious position. However, fans will support Ruud van Nistelrooy to turn things around.
Wolves are in a similar position, but a 3-0 win this weekend could be the spark they need to move away from the drop zone.
National Cup winners:
- FA Cup: With the third round set to begin soon, the FA Cup is up for grabs. Manchester United still fancy a run, while Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool will all back each other.
- EFL Cup: Liverpool are hot favorites to retain their League Cup crown, but with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle alongside them in the semi-final, it really is anyone’s game.
