Premier League Crucible: The Middle

The Crucible officially ended Thursday when Matchweek 21 wrapped up with an Arsenal vs. Liverpool stalemate . Along this 45 day odyssey that began on November 22, we crammed in ten league fixtures. Not content with that schedule, some sides layered on Carabao Cup and UEFA competition ties as well. Gluttons.

Much like a soccer match, the Crucible as a whole will have winners, losers and those who are neither (the term ‘draw’ is exactly accurate in this context). Here we celebrate the latter: the six clubs that didn’t perform poorly enough to be losers, or excel enough to be labeled winners.

Manchester City

Some explanation is warranted here. Yes, City had the same record as Newcastle, who made our winner’s list. But we hold the ten-time champions to a higher standard, and they just failed to make the bar. Ending with three consecutive draws was a big factor, as was the general sense that the team has been playing with less than their usual intensity. One of our statistically “good” teams was going to be here, and Man City is my choice.

Everton

A relatively easy Crucible (compared to others) helped Everton. But the team never really took advantage of that. They basically finished in the same position as they started, towards the top of the bottom half of the table. Everton were the epitome of bland and unexciting, with the exception of that epic collapse against Wolves last week.

Leeds United

Leeds is no longer in the relegation zone, and that’s the best thing you can say about their Crucible performance. Those five draws show resilience and a determination to dig deep when necessary. Getting the job done and securing a six point cushion above the drop is mighty, mighty good.

Manchester United

Objectively, two losses in ten games isn’t terrible. But five draws isn’t great. In that nutshell you are simply a team that gets put in the middle. I’m not even sure that United’s rise is a consequence of their actions, or the result of other team’s errors. Mainly the latter, which is why they’re below Leeds.

Brighton & Hove Albion

What I wrote in the mid-term report card is still applicable: “I’m not sure anyone can explain just what the hell is happening with Brighton right now.” They began the Crucible with two wins, and since then were kinda awful. If it wasn’t for the win over Burnley and a gritty draw against City last week they’d sit squarely in the loser column.

Sunderland

They have the same record as Leeds, but quite a different impact. Sunderland have been the league’s most surprising team, but their Crucible was a bit rough. They’re still in the top half, but will need to turn their form around in January if they want to stay there.