It has been yet another classic of a Premier League season, with plenty of surprises in the league table. Over the coming days we will be looking back at the season so far for each of the 20 teams, starting with 16th to 20th place.
16th place: West Ham United
How the season has gone so far
The 2022/23 Premier League season could not be a more contrasting one to the previous campaign for David Moyes and his West Ham side. Seventh last season, currently 16th in this one, despite a plethora of expensive, high profile signings brought in to further improve the Hammers’ fortunes. The east Londoners might be having a merry time in Europe, but their league decline has been of major concern, with key players and new signings underperforming and manager Moyes under increasing scrutiny.
Looking ahead to the rest of the campaign
Aston Villa’s Danny Ings arrived in January for £12m before suffering an injury, joining young Brazilian defender Luizao as the Irons’ only signings in the winter window. A big win over relegation rivals Everton relieved some pressure off David Moyes, but with half the season still to go and West Ham still in three competitions, it will be crucial for the Hammers to pick up as many points as possible now, or else face a the prospect of Championship football next season.
Embed from Getty Images17th place: Wolves
How the season has gone so far
Another side in major decline, Wolves were having a disastrous Premier League campaign prior to the World Cup break. Bottom of the league after 15 games was not good reading for a team who spent around £120m in the summer on reinvigorating the squad. Previous manager Bruno Lage paid the price for the Wolves’ poor form, and the club did not help itself um-ing and ah-ing over a new manager before finally getting Julen Lopetegui.
Looking ahead to the rest of the campaign
Wolves are in this relegation battle, and they need to find ways to score, and quick. 12 goals in 20 games is shocking, the lowest tally in England’s top four leagues. The club needed reinforcements in the forward line, and bringing in Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha will most certainly help. If their forward players do not start firing then the Black Country outfit will most certainly be plying their trade in the second tier next season.
18th place: AFC Bournemouth
How the season has gone so far
Sacking manager Scott Parker after the 9-0 defeat away at Liverpool appeared a bizarre decision from the Cherries considering how early in the season it was. But new manager Gary O’Neil’s first six Premier League games were outstanding, lifting the South Coast outfit away from the bottom three. Since then, however, it has been free fall for the Championship runners-up, dropping into the relegation zone.
Looking ahead to the rest of the campaign
Bill Foley’s consortium completed their takeover of the Cherries during the World Cup break, and whilst the form of the side is still of concern, they have come in and backed the club. A host of attacking and defensive reinforcements have arrived which should help the cause with proving talent from across Europe arriving to take the plunge. But whether the new owners believe O’Neil is the right man for the job is a different story because if they do not think he is, the club need to make a change soon.
19th place: Everton
How the season has gone so far
This has been the season from hell if you are a supporter of Everton. 19th in the Premier League, unrest between the board and the supporters, along with a change of manager and losing your star young player in Anthony Gordon. Frank Lampard was relieved of his duties after defeat at West Ham and with only three wins to their name from 20 games, this has been the worst Premier League season to date for the Toffees.
Looking ahead to the rest of the campaign
With the appointment of Sean Dyche to replace the departing Lampard, this job will be a test of the ex-Burnley boss’ managerial accruement. Everton were the only club not to make a January signing, but did sell Gordon to Newcastle for £45m. Not bringing in a replacement for the winger will only widen the divide between the supporters and the club. The Toffees seem to be going in a downwards spiral, with little hope as to where goals and more importantly wins will come from. Keeping Everton up will require a miracle.
Embed from Getty Images20th place: Southampton
How the season has gone so far
The only solemn Southampton have is they have not been cut adrift from the rest of the league yet. Another side in free fall, Ralph Hasenhuttl paid the price for the Saints’ terrible form with his job right before the World Cup break. In came Luton Town manager Nathan Jones and the Welshman has done an ok job at steadying the ship, but more positive results are needed. James Ward-Prowse has once again been the star player for Southampton, with five goals and two assists so far.
Looking ahead to the rest of the campaign
Southampton’s youthful approach to the transfer window looked an interesting one, but the lack of experience has hurt them as they lie bottom of the Premier League at the halfway stage. They continued that trend in January with some exciting midfield and forward purchases, but Saints fans will need the new signings to hit the ground running if they are to have any hope of staying up. It is not looking as bad as it did prior to Jones’ appointment, but it will take a mammoth effort to avoid the drop to the Championship.
