The first half of the Premier League season is over, though some teams have played as many as 21 matches or as little as 17. And while the title race is practically Manchester City’s to lose, the chase for the top-four Champions League spots is heating up and the battle to avoid relegation seems to involve four teams who have won a combined one game in their last 20 contests. With FA Cup play coming up ahead of a mid-January return for the Premier League here are our first-half Premier League grades in order of the league’s table.
1. Manchester City
Firmly the favorites to win the league and on an exceptional run of form. No team has scored more, and no team has conceded less. That’s a recipe for winning the Premier League … again. At 17-2-2 and with a 10-point lead atop the table, it feels like we are getting to close to them just running away with it all. Grade: A+
2. Chelsea
In second but not playing all that well. They had a promising start but have since struggled to defend. One win in their last five, the once unbreakable Chelsea defense has conceded in three straight and in eight of their last nine Premier League games. They’ll take second place and will be happy that they look like a lock for the top four, but a chance at the title is dwindling. Add in the Romelu Lukaku controversy, and there are uncertain times ahead. Grade: A-
3. Liverpool
Drawing more than they would like and on the verge of being out of the title race, they still have lost just two games and have a game in hand. Blowing the 2-0 lead at Chelsea stings, but if any team can catch City, it’s Liverpool. The Reds have enough firepower all over to capitalize if City slip, but they have to have to go on a run. Two points from their last three games has put them in a tricky spot. Grade: A-
4. Arsenal
They may have lost seven games already, but if you would have told them that at the turn of the year they…
Source : cbssports
