The Predicted Final 2019/20 Premier League Table – Who Will Finish Where?

Posted on 30/03/2020 by admin

Premier League football remains on hold until at least 30 April – and probably quite a bit longer – due to welcome coronavirus preventative measures, but an Opta/Stats Perform simulation has modelled what the rest of the 2019/20 season has in store, if it can even return.

The latest rumoured plans suggest a World Cup-style schedule in June and July to play the 92 outstanding Premier League fixtures. Fixtures would be played in a cluster of closed stadiums, with players and staff from each club observing full quarantine conditions between games.

The statistical model works by estimating the probability of each match outcome (win, lose or draw), based on each team’s attacking and defensive qualities. Those qualities are in turn determined by four years of historic results, with more recent results weighted more.

The model also takes into account the quality of an opponent, while the overall simulation was run 10,000 times to estimate the likelihood of each team finishing in each league position.

The obvious place to start is with Liverpool. There is little surprise that there is a 99.9% chance of the Reds finishing first and lifting a first league title in 30 years.

They are also predicted to do so with 101 points, which would be a new English league record, breaking the previous mark of 100 set by Manchester City in 2017/18. With City expected to finish second on 80 points, the 21-point gap would also be a new record margin of victory.

City are almost certain to finish second, with only a 0.7% chance they will drop to third.

The most likely scenario sees a 13-point gap back to Leicester in third, with Chelsea statistically the most likely side to finish fourth. Manchester United have a 9.8% chance of finishing third and a 20.6% chance of finishing fourth, but fifth is their most probable final position.

However, given the UEFA ban hanging over Manchester City, fifth place should still be enough for any team to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The chance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team finishing lower than fifth diminish, but there is still a tiny 0.9% possibility they drop all the way to 10th before the campaign is complete.

Things are tight between sixth and ninth, where only minimal differences have determined the most probable order. In the most likely scenario, Tottenham will finish sixth, Wolves in seventh, Arsenal in eighth and Sheffield United in ninth place.

However, Spurs are almost as likely to finish seventh, Wolves have a nearly as strong chance of finishing sixth or eighth, Arsenal could easily finish seventh or ninth, while there is still a 15% chance Sheffield United could be seventh, compared to 22% of their most probable ninth.

In short, the battle for those four places will be ever so close.

Everton are predicted to complete the top half of the table, with Burnley, Crystal Palace and Newcastle following in 11th, 12th and 13th respectively.

The big takeaway at the bottom of the table is that West Ham should keep their head above water and stay up in 15th place, three points above the bottom three. Watford are also expected to stay up, although again the bottom looks as though it is going to be very tight.

Bournemouth are set to finish 18th, but it should be noted that their chances of finishing 17th and in safety are almost as high. Aston Villa are much more probable to get relegated, with a 40% chance they will finish 19th, with Norwich 68% likely to be bottom.

Predicted Final 2019/20 Premier League Table (Opta/Stats Perform):

Pos.	Club	Points
1	Liverpool	101
2	Manchester City	80
3	Leicester	67
4	Chelsea	63
5	Manchester United	61
6	Tottenham	58
7	Wolves	56
8	Arsenal	56
9	Sheffield United	55
10	Everton	50
11	Burnley	49
12	Crystal Palace	49
13	Newcastle	46
14	Southampton	44
15	West Ham	39
16	Brighton	37
17	Watford	36
18	Bournemouth	36
19	Aston Villa	32
20	Norwich	29

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!

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Arsenal vs Tottenham: Picking a Combined Classic XI of North London Derby Legends

Posted on 30/03/2020 by admin

To wrap up our the first feature of our 50 best derbies in the world series, we have something nice and fun for you. And trust us, it wasn’t an easy selection process.

It is of course 90min’s definitive all-time classic combined Arsenal and Tottenham XI. Only the best of the best, and those players who stood head and heels over their teammates.

Now, there is of course a wide variety of options for the majority of positions that need filling. It is subjective – there might be some players whose inclusion you find unjust. And that’s fine! There will be several sensational starting XIs that we could have put together, but this is the one we went with in the end.

So, without further ado, here’s the classic combined Arsenal and Spurs XI. We’re going with an attack-minded 4-2-2-2 – nice and modern! And we start with…

GK – Pat Jennings (Spurs, Arsenal)

Mr. Jennings spent a large part of his career at Spurs before making the switch to the red half of north London. An ideal candidate for a combined XI then. And, he just pips Arsenal legend David Seaman to claim our goalkeeping spot.

Jennings made an incredible 1,000 top flight appearances during his career, and 591 of those for Spurs brought with them both the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year in 1973, and the PFA Player of the Year in 1976. He was the first keeper to achieve either of these feats. And, his career got even better after he joined the Gunners – joking!

All things considered Jennings remains one of the legendary shot-stoppers in English footballing history.

RB – Lee Dixon (Arsenal)

You could have gone with a couple of Spurs lads here, but all things considered, Lee Dixon is more than deserving of claiming the starting right-back berth.

The Englishman spent a wonderful 14 years at Highbury, and the defensive assurance he provided went a long way to contribute towards the four league titles, three FA Cups, and European trophy he won with the Gunners.

Dixon was a truly classic ‘old-school’ full back, and in this team he would both dominate his one on one duels as well as providing a solid attacking outlet marauding up and down the pitch.

CB – Sol Campbell (Spurs, Arsenal)

Another whose inclusion is worth it simply because he played for both north London clubs. There were nine years at White Hart Lane of which he spent several as the club’s captain.

And then, in sensational circumstances, he joined Arsenal on a free transfer in 2001. And he was a centre-back stalwart during the Gunners’ success of the early 2000s – not only did he play a crucial role in the ‘Invincibles’ unbeaten campaign, but he helped Arsenal win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

As a player, he was an excellent centre-back who was without a doubt one of the greatest of his generation. And, given his ties with both clubs, it would be silly not to have him in the side…even though Spurs fans hate him.

CB – Tony Adams (Arsenal)

Adams remains the Gunners’ greatest ever captain, and Mr. Arsenal breezes into this classic combined XI, simple as that.

Having demonstrated his innate leadership skills from a young age, Adams was appointed club captain aged 21. And, he led Arsenal to four league title successes across three decades.

He wasn’t a bad player then, and given he’s got everything you want in a centre-half, his inclusion alongside Campbell completes a salivating centre-back pairing. Good luck trying to get past these two.

LB – Gareth Bale (Spurs)

Bale’s inclusion at left-back is slightly cheeky, we must admit. But, as we all remember, he did actually start his Spurs career playing in the position, so in some ways it would be illogical not to have him at left-back…right? Right? Ok, well maybe not.

Prior to his then world-record move to Real Madrid in 2013, Bale was setting the Premier League alight with some truly astounding performances, and lest we forget his sensational hat-trick at the San Siro against Inter in 2010.

The twice PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Season hit new heights in the 2012/13 campaign, and we grew accustomed to see some simply stunning long-range strikes, lung-busting runs, and overall world-class football from the Welshman. He’s got to be in here, that’s for sure.

CM – Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)

The best central midfielder to have ever played for Arsenal, and one of the greatest the world’s ever seen. That’s why Vieira is one of the first names on this particular team sheet.

Spurs must have grown sick of the sight of him dominating the centre of the park down the years, as well as captaining the ‘Invincibles’ side, and scoring several sumptuous goals against Spurs during his time in north London.

But now that we’re combining the two clubs’ best ever players, Tottenham don’t have to worry about facing Vieira as their opponent, and can enjoy having his footballing excellence on their side for once.

CM – Paul Gascoigne (Spurs)

Selecting Vieira’s central midfield partner was no easy task. Perhaps it ought to have been Tottenham’s modern midfield maestro in the shape of Luka Modric? Maybe Arsenal’s Spanish magician Cesc Fabregas? Let’s not forget Glenn Hoddle too, what a midfielder he was at the peak of his powers.

But, on the grounds of his uniquely exceptional skillset, Gascoigne gets the nod. Now, he might not have had the illustrious club career that some of his teammates in this classic XI had, but based on pure footballing ability, there aren’t many better than this man.

After all, he is largely recognised as the ‘most naturally gifted English footballer of his generation’. Good to have you in the team Gazza.

CAM – Robert Pires (Arsenal)

There’s no doubting this man’s quality. Some may feel that others deserve to start over Pirés. But, the Premier League has seen few wingers wow to the extent the Frenchman did during his time in north London.

The 2002 FWA Footballer of the Year also loved scoring against Spurs – he managed eight against them in total. The French maverick ensures this machine remains well oiled as he provides the silky link between the midfield and attack.

CAM – Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)

There’s no disputing the delightful Dutchman’s position in our Arsenal and Spurs’ classic XI. Neither side have witnessed a more pure form of footballing genius than what Bergkamp displayed during his 11 years in north London.

As we all know, the 1998 PFA Players’ Player of the Year was blessed with divine technical ability, and given the quality around him in this side, the Dutchman would have a field day in this team.

Honorary mention to Spurs’ David Ginola. He was also a genius with the ball at his feet, but there’s not shame in missing out to Bergkamp.

ST – Harry Kane (Spurs)

He is Mr. Tottenham at this point, but it wasn’t always the case. Kane was a boyhood Arsenal fan, and represented them at youth level in the early 2000s. But, on the grounds of being ‘a bit chubby’ and not ‘very athletic’, he was released.

Arsenal’s loss, Spurs’ gain.

He scored 31 goals in his first full top-flight season in 2014/15, and since then has gone onto score 28, 35, 41 and 24 in the following campaigns. He is one of the world’s best goal scorers, and has netted a remarkable 181 times for Spurs in just 278 matches.

Oh, and he is the north London derby’s all-time top scorer. There were a fair few options to go with up top, including Spurs’ all-time top scorer Jimmy Greaves, but Kane’s inclusion is non-negotiable at this point.

ST – Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

And, the final slot in this classic combined XI is none other than Thierry Henry. Obviously – he’s the greatest player in Premier League history.

Arsenal’s beloved all-time leading marksman takes his place alongside Kane in a frightening looking forward line that would produce a silly number of goals.

Honorary mention to the Gunners’ previous record goalscorer – Ian Wright is unlucky to miss out on a starting position.

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Arsenal vs Tottenham: 7 Classic Clashes Between the North London Rivals

Posted on 30/03/2020 by admin

Now we understand just how important the north London derby is, and how it came about, we can properly kickstart the 50 Greatest Derbies of All Time series by taking a trip down memory lane and take a look back on the most fantastic fixtures played between Arsenal and Tottenham.

If ever there was a particular fixture that was renowned for its goals, late comebacks, drama and controversy, it is well and truly the North London derby. Look no further than this wonderful selection of seven classic contests that have taken place in recent times.

One thing’s for sure – after reading this, the next NLD won’t come around soon enough. Anyway, let’s get on with it, and begin with…

2002/03 – Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham

…Thierry Henry and his wonder goal against Tottenham at Highbury in 2002. Every Arsenal player must dream of scoring against Spurs. Well, imagine picking the ball up inside your own half, leaving several Spurs players in your wake as you glide past them, and sticking the ball into the back of the net.

Well that’s exactly what Henry did in the 13th minute of this particular north London derby. And, he followed it up with quite the celebration – running the length of the pitch, and celebrating in front of the visiting Spurs fans.

What a man, what a goal, and one of the iconic north London derby moments.

2003/04 – Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

For Arsenal fans, it doesn’t get much better than this – travelling to White Hart Lane knowing that a point would be enough to secure the league title. On Tottenham’s home turf…let that sink in for a minute.

And Arsène Wenger’s side were 2-0 within 35 minutes after scoring two sensational team goals. Spurs may have came back to earn a point but it didn’t matter – they had allowed their great rivals to win the Premier League title on their own patch.

The implications this particular fixture produced remain unparalleled, and that is why it is one of the classic north London derbies.

2004/05 – Tottenham 4-5 Arsenal

If any Spurs fans are reading – don’t worry! It’s going in chronological order, and there will be a couple of classic clashes that you can enjoy more than the ones selected thus far.

But this nine-goal thriller really was something, and is perhaps deserving of the ‘most classic derby’ label. The Gunners ran out 5-4 winners, with every single goal being scored by a different player – it remains a Premier League record.

Spurs took the lead initially, but with an hour gone the Gunners were 3-1 up, with Henry and Patrick Vieira among the scorers. It then went 2-3, 2-4, 3-4, 3-5, and 4-5 in that order. And breathe, goodness gracious me! That’s what can happen in a north London derby.

2008/09 – Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham

Here you are Spurs fans! It might not be a win, but it may as well have been. And, in a similar trajectory to the 4-5 fixture from 2004, this one was a topsy-turvy affair.

Ex-Arsenal boy David Bentley put Spurs ahead with a stunning 45-yard strike, but the Gunners were 3-1 up just after the hour mark after Emmanuel Adebayor scored in the 64th minute. How did it pan out from there?

Well, Darren Bent nabbed one back in the 67th minute, before Robin van Persie made it 4-2 a minute later. Could Arsenal hold on? Well no…and Spurs launched a sensational late comeback, scoring in the 89th minute, and then equalising in the final seconds of extra time. Excellent stuff from the Whites.

2009/10 – Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham

One of the great days out for Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium. The north London derby hype lived up to the billing as the Gunners produced a scintillating performance to win 3-0.

But it was a particular two minute period late in the first half that elevates this particular game above others. Van Persie opened the scoring on 42 minutes, and no sooner had Spurs taken the resultant kick-off, Fabregas stole the ball, waltzed his way through the Spurs defence, and planted an excellent finish into the bottom corner.

It just happened so quickly – within 11 seconds to be precise! Sky Sports hadn’t even finished showing the replay of the first goal before the cameras cut to Fabregas racing away celebrating Arsenal’s second. Poor Martin Tyler!

2010/11 – Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham

Spurs’ 3-2 victory at the Emirates during the 2010/11 campaign was their first victory on Arsenal’s home turf for 17 years. And what a spectacle it was.

As is a trend with plenty of classic derby games, a remarkable comeback was launched by the side who ended up victorious. This time, it was Spurs who painted north London lilywhite. Arsenal were 2-0 up after 30 minutes before Harry Redknapp’s side scored three times in the second half to complete a spectacular 3-2 turnaround.

2011/12 – Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham

To finish, we have yet another classic comeback to enjoy. This time, it was Arsenal who ended up worthy winners. And yet again, the winning side went 2-0 down before going onto score five, yes five, to make it 5-2.

Theo Walcott scored a lovely little brace, Van Persie scored a cracker, and Bacary Sagna and Tomas Rosicky chipped in with impressively worked goals too. A day to cherish for the Gunners as north London was red once again.

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How Arsenal’s Loaned Out Players Will Get on When They Return to North London – Ranked

Posted on 29/03/2020 by admin

These were the ones who managed to get out – succeeded in escaping north London so that the atrocious season that has unfolded can’t be pinned on them in any way. Well, that’s not entirely true, because Arsenal Twitter always finds a way to blame Henrikh Mkhitaryan for everything.

Unlike their west London rivals, the Gunners don’t have 406 players out on loan at any given time. Still, a few have temporarily departed the Emirates in search of first-team football or, at the very least, in a bid to escape the sh*tshow of a campaign it’s been.

What will their eventual returns bring, though? We could see some career renaissances or hero’s welcomes, but equally, they could don the red and white again and remind us all why they were shipped out in the first place.

Let’s take a look, in wonderful ranking order, at how well they could do when their loan stints come to an end.

9. Dejan Iliev

Who? Exactly.

The goalkeeper slot at Arsenal is one of the few areas of the pitch where there is no scope for discussion. Bernd Leno is the undisputed number one, and behind him is Emiliano Martínez, and, as it is, neither look like relinquishing those spots anytime soon.

Iliev is currently on loan at Jagiellonia Bialystok. Who? Exactly.

There doesn’t seem to be much hope for the stopper, not to mention links surrounding a move for Freddie Woodman have resurfaced once again. Looking unlikely he’ll make any impact whatsoever, barring slamming his locker on the way out.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 0/10

8. Mohamed Elneny

Nice guy, humorous character and hard worker – there is no questioning the Egyptian possesses these three traits. However, unfortunately that doesn’t quite cut the mustard at Arsenal, and his loan spell away at Besiktas was largely met with joy in north London.

Even when he first joined from FC Basel in 2016 it was a move met with bemusement. There is no doubting that players plucked from obscurity can go on to become stars, but there was little to suggest in the early days that Elneny would be the answer to the Gunners’ midfield woes.

Four years on and that is still the case. He simply isn’t up to the level required, no matter how much effort he puts in, and the club will surely be trying to accrue a fee for the 27-year-old in the summer to boost their pitiful transfer budget.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 2/10

7. Jordi Osei-Tutu

Having joined from Reading back in 2015, Jordi Osei-Tutu has been developing nicely in the Arsenal academy. The right-back is now 21 years old, so a taste of football outside of England seemed like a good step in his development.

He’s now at 2. Bundesliga side VfL Bochum, where two goals in 12 outings have improved his chances of breaking into the senior side. That’s still a stretch though, and Arsenal fans can be forgiven for not knowing he was out there in the first place. Osei-Tutu is doing well, sure, and if these performances continue there is always a chance. Just a little one, mind.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 2/10

6. Ben Sheaf

A player who was on the cusp of the senior side on a few occasions, Ben Sheaf’s career began to stagnate. He’s made two first team appearances to date, but a loan to Stevenage in 2017 failed to see him kick on and he made just ten appearances.

His latest loan stint has been far more fruitful, however, as he joined promotion chasing Doncaster Rovers in League One. There he has been an ever-present, making 32 outings from midfield, and impressing in Darren Moore’s side. He appears to have found his level, and a permanent move to Yorkshire may well be on the cards in the summer.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 2/10

5. Henrikh Mkhitaryan

All eyes in north London have been on the Armenian this season. Not in the hopes he rediscovers his Borussia Dortmund form and comes back a changed man, but instead that he plays well enough that Roma decide to throw some money Arsenal’s way and buy him outright.

Thing is, that’s what he’s doing. Six goals and three assists in 13 Serie A outings is a fine return, so hopefully the Italian side consider this form worthy enough of a few quid. He’s 31 now, and while he could still return to Arsenal, it’s highly unlikely as they scramble together what funding they can.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 4/10

4. Daniel Ballard

He only signed new professional contract with Arsenal last May, meaning the future may be bright for the Swindon Town loanee.

Defenders – pardon me, decent defenders – are a rare commodity at Arsenal right now, so there will be hopes that Ballard can return from his stint with the Robins and make a challenge for the first team. How likely that is not known, but given the amount of faith shown in him by his parent club, the initial suggestions would be he’s progressing steadily.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 4/10

3. Konstantinos Mavropanos

Fast-tracked into the first team after joining from PAS Giannina in 2018, big things were expected of the Greek defender personally chosen by Sven ‘Diamond Eyes’ Mislintat. He’s shown glimpses of his ability, but far too infrequently, and now he’s out in Germany with FC Nurnberg.

They rate him highly, though, as he was thrust straight into the starting lineup where he immediately impressed. It’s another case of ‘he’s doing well, but is he actually good enough?’. Keep these levels of performance up and we’ll see, but the door certainly isn’t closed on this one.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 4/10

2. Emile Smith Rowe

What Smith Rowe needed was a good run of games. He would have had that at RB Leipzig last season had it not been for a desperately unfortunate injury, so a January move to Huddersfield with a renewed sense of belief and clean bill of health seemed the perfect match.

Prior to football being postponed, it seemed like having the desired effect. Being played in his favoured number ten role by Danny Cowley, he’s offered an insight into his unquestionable ability.

He’s still only 19 so there is both room for improvement and further development to come, but he’s one Arsenal fans are backing for success.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 7/10

1. William Saliba

The saviour.

He who all is being pinned on. The young French lad who has never kicked a football in the Premier League, yet appears to be the best defender on the planet. There is hype coming out of people’s ears about William Saliba’s eventual arrival at Arsenal, with the club deprived of his services this term after he was sent back on loan to Saint-Étienne as part of the agreement.

Regardless of the pressure already on his shoulders, there is no doubting that Saliba is the real deal. A commanding, immensely composed and technically gifted central defender, he will, without question, improve Mikel Arteta’s backline when he joins in the summer.

Fans are naturally expectant – far too expectant, in fact – but this kid is going places. Well, north London, to be exact.

Likelihood of Making it at Arsenal: 8/10

For more from Ross Kennerley, follow him on Twitter!

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Ranking Every Premier League Club’s Main Summer Signing in Order of Success

Posted on 29/03/2020 by admin

It seems like a lifetime ago that our clubs were splashing the cash on marquee signings ahead of the 2019/20 Premier League season.

Shiny new kits were bought, expectations were high and there was no talk of a deadly virus that would see football suspended and the world housebound.

But just how good have each club’s marquee signing been so far this season?

Well, sit back, relax, and prepare to be triggered as 90min ranks each club’s main summer signing – as a house rule, we’re not including loans that were made permanent. Sorry, Mateo Kovačić and Youri Tielemans.

20. Liverpool – Adrián

Signed From: West Ham

Signed For: Free

Well, this one’s pretty self-explanatory isn’t it?

You might well win the Premier League this season, Liverpool fans, but the signing of Adrián last summer has proved to be nothing short of catastrophic.

19. Chelsea – No One

Signed From: N/A

Signed For: N/A

Christian Pulisic technically became a Chelsea player in January 2019 and Mateo Kovačić was on loan last season, so we haven’t got anyone from Frank Lampard’s transfer banned side to judge.

While making no signings was certainly something Liverpool should have done, the Blues could have done with a star name or two to help their push for Champions League football.

18. Newcastle United – Joelinton

Signed From: TSG Hoffenheim

Signed For: £39.6m

Oh dear, oh dear.

Even if Joelinton hadn’t cost almost £40m, it’s difficult to argue that the Brazilian hasn’t been one of the worst attacking signings in recent memory – if not in Premier League history.

The 23-year-old didn’t show too much at Hoffenheim to suggest he’d be a hit in England and so far he’s lived up to his fairly sub-standard expectations.

17. Southampton – Che Adams

Signed From: Birmingham City

Signed For: £15m

Although Che Adams hasn’t scored in the Premier League this season, he’s still put in quite a few decent performances and helped Southampton’s better players in their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Strikers aren’t just judged by the number of goals they score (hence Adams being ahead of Joelinton) but, at the same time, goals are still pretty damn important.

16. Bournemouth – Arnaut Groeneveld

Signed From: Club Brugge

Signed For: £16.2m

There was a lot of excitement seeing a Netherlands international, with experience in the Champions League, rock up on the south coast last summer.

Unfortunately, Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld hasn’t really been given a chance to impress under Eddie Howe and the 23-year-old might need to wait until Ryan Fraser leaves in the next transfer window before his chance comes.

15. Norwich City – Sam Byram

Signed From: West Ham

Signed For: £750k

Sam Byram isn’t a flashy player by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s been a key part of Norwich City’s squad throughout the season – playing initially as a right-back before replacing Jamal Lewis on the left.

But with the Canaries looking set for relegation, it’s difficult to pick Norwich’s summer signing any higher on this list.

14. Tottenham Hotspur – Tanguy Ndombélé

Signed From: Olympique Lyonnais

Signed For: £54m

José Mourinho might object to Tanguy Ndombélé’s inclusion here, but the France international hasn’t been a complete flop by any stretch of the imagination.

Just like with most players coming from Ligue 1, Ndombélé will need time to get used to things in the Premier League.

Although if Mourinho stays in north London any longer, we could be waiting for quite some time before the Frenchman really finds his feet.

13. Everton – Alex Iwobi

Signed From: Arsenal

Signed For: £27m

At times, it’s really easy to see why Alex Iwobi is Jay-Jay Okocha’s nephew.

The Nigeria international can be one of the most exciting and, for better or for worse, unpredictable players in the Premier League.

But for all Iwobi’s talent, there was always a feeling he never quite reached his peak at Arsenal and that frustration has following him to Goodison Park.

12. Sheffield United – Oli McBurnie

Signed From: Swansea City

Signed For: £17m

Sheffield United haven’t been scoring goals for fun throughout their surprising push for Champions League football, but Oli McBurnie has been crucial both from the start or off the bench for Chris Wilder’s side, scoring 13% of their Premier League goals.

The Scotland international is one of the most physically demanding strikers in the top flight, and his place in Sheffield United’s team has been crucial in bringing the best out of players like Lys Mousset, John Fleck and John Lundstram.

11. Aston Villa – Wesley

Signed From: Club Brugge

Signed For: £22.5m

Wesley’s cruciate ligament injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the 23-year-old had just ended a 12-game goal drought when he picked up the knock against Burnley.

The Brazilian certainly didn’t prove that he’s the finished product in his first few months in the Premier League, but Wesley was a great focal point for Dean Smith’s Aston Villa, bringing the best out of Jack Grealish with his hold-up play.

10. Wolverhampton Wanderers – Pedro Neto

Signed From: SS Lazio

Signed For: £16.5m

Pedro Neto’s career has been bizarre.

Despite making just eight senior appearances, Neto’s transfers have already tallied up to more than £30m, having joined Lazio from Braga in a £14m deal just weeks before his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last year.

The Portugal Under-21 international has become fairly famous for having the Video Assistant Referee go against him at every opportunity, but aside from the technology, Neto’s had an impressive start under Nuno Espírito Santo.

9. Burnley – Jay Rodriguez

Signed From: West Brom

Signed For: £5m

It was hardly the most exciting homecoming for neutral fans, but Burnley-born Jay Rodriguez’s move back to Turf Moor has proved to be vital as Sean Dyche’s side not only avoid relegation, but also make a stunning push for Europa League qualification.

Chris Wood (11) and Ashely Barnes (six) have still been Burnely’s top marksmen, but Rodriguez has scored against Chelsea and Manchester United this season.

8. Crystal Palace – Gary Cahill

Signed From: Chelsea

Signed For: Free

Name us a more ‘Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace’ signing of the 2019 summer transfer window.

We’ll wait.

The 34-year-old was one of five new players through the door at Selhurst Park last summer, and even though Jordan Ayew’s loan move last season means he can’t be in contention, Cahill’s still been one of the most impactful new signings in the Premier League.

Only five teams have a better defensive record than the Eagles and Cahill’s had a huge part to play in Crystal Palace’s relative success.

7. Arsenal – Nicolas Pépé

Signed From: Lille OSC

Signed For: £72m

Arsenal certainly paid over the odds for Nicolas Pépé, but the Ivory Coast international has quietly been having a fantastic season – even if fans outside north London can’t admit it.

The 24-year-old has been directly involved in 10 Premier League goals, while he’s also been one of the most consistent threats for Arsenal in their attack.

Pépé’s £72m price tag will stay on his shoulders for quite some time, but in reality the Ivorian has adapted brilliantly to life in the Premier League and he’ll only get better as Mikel Arteta embeds his ideas into the squad.

6. Watford – Ismaïla Sarr

Signed From: Stade Rennais

Signed For: £27m

Ismaïla Sarr’s form has mirrored Watford’s throughout his career at Vicarage Road, but since Nigel Pearson’s arrival earlier this season, the Senegal international has been the club’s most dangerous player by some distance.

The 22-year-old has had his fair share of gaffes in Hertfordshire, but he’s now been involved in eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances, including goals against Manchester United and Liverpool.

5. West Ham United – Sébastien Haller

Signed From: Eintracht Frankfurt

Signed For: £36m

West Ham didn’t make Sébastien Haller their club-record signing just for his goal record, but the Frenchman is still the club’s top goalscorer this season.

The 25-year-old is built in a very similar mould to Olivier Giroud, with Haller’s ability to bring the best out of his teammates arguably his best attribute.

Haller’s still blown quite hot and cold, but with Felipe Anderson, Pablo Fornals and now Jarrod Bowen around him, the best could still be yet to come.

4. Manchester United – Harry Maguire

Signed From: Leicester City

Signed For: £78m

Harry Maguire wasn’t cheap, and he certainly hasn’t transformed Manchester United like Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool, but the England international has helped to shore up a defence which has been prone to conceding silly goals.

David de Gea has done his best to ensure United still let unnecessary goals into the back of the net, but Maguire, as well as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, has already proved he’s a piece of the puzzle which could bring some major silverware back to Old Trafford.

3. Manchester City – Rodri

Signed From: Atlético Madrid

Signed For: £63m

As soon as Rodri’s move to Manchester City was confirmed, everyone knew he’d be an instant hit in the north west.

Under Pep Guardiola, Rodri has slotted perfectly into defensive midfield and the Spain international has even impressed when he’s been forced out of position in defence.

The 23-year-old is still a bit rough around the edges in some areas, but Rodri undoubtedly has the quality to anchor Manchester City’s midfield for a generation.

2. Leicester City – Ayoze Pérez

Signed From: Newcastle United

Signed For: £30m

Quite a few players have partnered Jamie Vardy over the years.

Leonardo Ulloa, Andrej Kramarić and even cult hero Shinji Okazaki have tried (and failed) to act as Vardy’s support, but Ayoze Pérez has been the perfect addition to bring the best out of Leicester City’s attacking players.

The Spaniard has been used either through the middle or out wide this season and he’s been directly involved in 11 goals for Brendan Rodgers’ side – a tally which is bettered only by Vardy (23) and Harvey Barnes (12).

1. Brighton & Hove Albion – Neal Maupay

Signed From: Brentford

Signed For: £19.8m

If Graham Potter could create his ideal striker in a lab, he’d come out with something not too dissimilar to Neal Maupay.

The Frenchman has been an instant hit on the south coast and his influence on Brighton’s style of play has been immeasurable, proving to be the perfect spearhead for Potter’s modern-day approach to really take hold.

The Seagulls still aren’t guaranteed to stay up this season, but if they do, Maupay will be the catalyst which propels Brighton up the Premier League table next season and maybe even into Europe.

For more from Ben Carter, follow him on Twitter!

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