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2021 has been a monumental year for the Premier League.
During a year that has been ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Premier League managed to stick to its unbelievably high standards throughout. The year saw Manchester City lift the Premier League title once again, beating the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to the prize.
Chelsea beat Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final, denying City an unprecedented first double in their history. The year had its fair share of ups and downs for all clubs as they finished the second half of the season. Then they brought in the first half of the next.
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On that note, let's take a look at the five best managers in the Premier League this year.
#5. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has had a mixed 2021.
The Spaniard took charge of his first full season as Arsenal manager in the 2020-21 and led the side to an eighth-placed finish. Despite winning the FA Cup in his first campaign, he was unable to win any silverware with the club in his first full season in charge.
Arteta's side couldn't manage to qualify for any European competition, sparking rumors of his sacking and replacement by someone possibly more experienced. However, since the start of the new season, Arteta has seemingly found a winning formula and has turned the club's fortunes around.
Arsenal now sit pretty in fourth place in the Premier League, a result that was unexpected for many. Arteta has led from the front, making some shrewd signings in the summer to strengthen his squad.
The Gunners seem to be playing with a structure now, something they have lacked over the past year. With the young guns shining, Arsenal seem to have some newfound hope this season under Arteta.
#4. David Moyes | West Ham United
David Moyes' managerial career has seen some serious resurgence over the past year.
The Scot has managed West Ham United since 2019 and has been instrumental in taking the club to new heights. Previously considered a mid-table club, Moyes has evolved the side into one of the most feared sides in the Premier League.
Moyes led West Ham to a magnificent sixth-placed finish this year, ensuring they qualified for the UEFA Europa League. The side have carried their form into this season as they compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United for a top four spot.
Moyes' achievements over the past year have been phenomenal to say the least. Considering the club are not as wealthy as their direct rivals in the top six of the Premier League, the results they have achieved have been incredible.
#3. Thomas Tuchel | Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel has seen a massive rise in his stock over the past couple of years.
Having led Paris Saint-Germain to a UEFA Champions League final in 2020, the German found himself at Chelsea in January 2021 facing an uphill task. Tuchel has taken to the Premier League in excellent fashion, slotting in almost like second nature.
In his first-ever season in charge of Chelsea, Tuchel went on to win the UEFA Champions League. The match saw Tuchel and Chelsea defeat Premier League rivals Manchester City in an extremely tactical battle.
Their success, however, came at a cost as Chelsea secured fourth spot in the Premier League last season only on the final day. They had a productive summer to ensure they were set to challenge for England's biggest prize the following season.
Chelsea have been hit with a few injury concerns this year, but have still managed to keep pace with the leaders. The next couple of months will be instrumental in deciding if Chelsea will be genuine title contenders.
#2. Jurgen Klopp | Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has firmly established himself as one of the world's best football managers.
The Liverpool boss has taken the side to new levels ever since he took over in 2015. He led the Merseyside outfit to their first-ever Premier League title, as well as winning the UEFA Champions League title after 15 years.
Liverpool have been in stunning form throughout the course of 2021. Facing a long injury list earlier this year, Klopp and Liverpool rallied well to ensure the club finished third in the Premier League last season.
They began the new season with a reignited desire to win and are right on the heels of leaders Manchester City. Blessed with several in-form players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club have looked dominant ever since the season started in August.
As we approach the halfway mark of the season, Liverpool will be hoping to carry their blistering form into the new year.
#1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have been in stellar form all throughout 2021.
The Cityzens cruised to yet another Premier League title earlier this year. They finished the season with a convincing 12-point lead over second-placed Manchester United. City lifted their third title in four years, cementing Guardiola's name as one of the most successful managers in the history of the Premier League.
Guardiola seems to have wasted little time celebrating, as City have come out this season all guns blazing. City have begun the season in near-perfect fashion and they lead the table as we approach the halfway mark.
City lead runners-up Liverpool by three points, having lost only two games all season. They also have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just nine goals in 18 games.
With Pep gunning for a fourth title in five years, City will be looking to see out the second half of the season in a flawless manner. With Liverpool hot on their heels, they will have little room for error.
