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18 matchdays have gone by in the Premier League this season. We have already witnessed exceptional games, match-winning individual performances, and controversial refereeing decisions. The Premier League 2021-22 campaign somehow feels grander than ever.
With Christmas round the corner, it is time to reflect on the first half of the season. Here, we will take a look at old and new records, telling you how Premier League stars and teams have historically fared on Christmas Day.
Here are the top-five Christmas-special Premier League facts you ought to know:
#5 Wolverhampton Wanderers’ economical run
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Wolverhampton Wanderers played an engaging brand of football in the Premier League. They defended well, pressed better, and were always looking to go for goal.
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With Santo leaving for Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season, Bruno Lage has come in to keep up his predecessor’s good work. He has not quite managed to keep the attacking flamboyance alive, but the doggedness is still there.
Wolves have only scored 13 goals in the Premier League this season, but still find themselves in eighth position in the league. Only bottom-placed Norwich City have scored fewer goals than them. Interestingly, no team in Premier League history have managed to sit in eighth (or higher) position on Christmas Day, scoring only 13 goals.
Wolves’ economy has become a thing of beauty this season and it will be interesting to see if they can keep it up in 2022.
#4 West Ham United’s scintillating form
The Premier League is arguably the most competitive footballing league on the planet. It's full of world-class teams, all capable of going for gold or at least securing a Champions League spot. So, whenever a lightweight decides to fight the biggies, it is an exciting affair.
West Ham United have emerged as a darkhorse in the the top-four race this season. The Hammers have beaten the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea, even occupying the fourth spot at one point. They have lost a bit of momentum in recent weeks, but they are still well within touching distance of a Champions League spot.
West Ham will spend Christmas Day in fifth position this season, marking their best run since 2014-15, when they were in fourth place. They lost momentum in the second half of 2014-15 to eventually finish in 12th position. The Hammers will try their best not to repeat history in the 2021-22 campaign.
#3 Arsenal’s return to the Champions League race
Under Arsene Wenger, a top-four finish in the Premier League had become the norm for Arsenal. They rarely got close to the title, but they always looked on course for European football.
Wenger’s departure in 2018 saw the beginning of obscurity for Arsenal. The Gunners have not played in the Champions League since 2016-17, but a welcome change seems to be on the horizon.
Barring the opening few matchdays, Arsenal have played impressive football in the Premier League this season. They will be in fourth position this Christmas Day, marking their highest finish since 2016-17.
Whether they will play Champions League football next season is anybody’s guess, but the Gunners certainly have history on their side at the moment.
#2 Manchester City’s merry run
Defending champions Manchester City opened the 2021-22 Premier League campaign with a shock defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites of north London caught City by surprise, allowing Chelsea to capitalize and climb to the summit.
Manchester City eventually got their groove back and have successfully emerged as the top dog in the Premier League. Thanks to their dominant win over Newcastle United and Liverpool’s misfortunes against Tottenham Hotspur on matchday 18, Manchester City will spend Christmas at the top.
They have a three-point lead over Jurgen Klopp’s second-placed Liverpool, which is significant at this stage.
This is the third time Manchester City are spending Christmas Day at the top of the Premier League table. The Citizens did the same in the 2011-12 and 2017-18 campaigns, winning the title at the end of the season on both occasions.
#1 Mohamed Salah’s freakish form
Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating form in the Premier League this season. The Egypt international has been more involved than ever, contributing regularly to Liverpool’s build-up play. He’s been a handful for almost every defender in the Premier League this season and we expect the trend to continue in 2022 as well.
In the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, Salah has scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in 18 appearances. His incredible tally of 24 goal contributions has made him the player with the second-highest goal involvement before Christmas Day in Premier League history.
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has remained on top with his 25 goal involvements for Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95. The Englishman scored 16 goals and provided nine assists for Rovers that season.
