Posted by By Sam Lawrence, Staff Writer
The English Premier League is a very historic football (soccer) league that has been a mainstream interest to many people around the world for multiple decades. It is the most popular league for the most popular sport in the world. As Americans, we have been heavily disconnected from the incredible sport, and through this article, I will teach you not only about the league but give you something even more important: a team to support.
The English Premier League was founded on February 20, 1992, and since then has blossomed into one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and is often deemed to be the spectacle for perfect league football. The Premier League consists of 20 teams, and all current teams are based in England.
The league involves a relegation system, which means every season, the three worst teams get sent down to the English Championship, which is the league below. This is the thing to avoid for all clubs, because it will lose the organization money and will diminish the presence of the club. Luckily, the idea of relegation usually isn’t a problem for the Big 6, which are generally the best teams, because they have the richest history in the English world of football. Those clubs consist of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham. This article’s focus is with Arsenal F.C., a club with rich history, stellar players, and a chance to win the league title this season.
Arsenal have been a surprise team this season, as last season, they finished in 5th place, leaving them out of the top 4 and losing their chance to play in the Champions League. Arsenal’s players and coach, Mikel Arteta, have shaped the team into one of the most respectable clubs this season, and Arsenal is getting the chance to become league champions for the first time since 2004. Currently, most people seem to be rooting for Arsenal to win the league, because the title chase is primarily between Arsenal F.C. and Manchester City F.C. Man City have been the best team in England for the past several years, so that means most people root against them, rooting for them to lose. Arsenal may not be an extremely loved team, but right now they are the only option to take down the powerful and dominating Manchester City.
The success of this Arsenal team is heavily dependent on the skill and confidence of these star players that have done their job extremely well this season.
Aaron Ramsdale Being the goalkeeper for a team with one of the best goal differences (the difference between goals scored and goals conceded) in the league is a very impressive feat, and Ramsdale has completed his job as a goalkeeper to the largest extent. He has made many crucial stops that may end up propelling his team to the league title.
Ben White As a right back, Ben White has been a crucial part of the squad. With his impressive pace and explosiveness, he has been able to lock down some of the best wingers in the league, ensuring an easier game for Aaron Ramsdale. He originally started the season as a question mark, because he hadn’t truly done what he was known to be capable of. But now, White is becoming a great defender and a great player in the Premier League
William Saliba Saliba’s commanding presence in the back line has provided Arsenal with stability throughout the season, and he has been one of the best center backs in the league. Recently, he has been riddled with back injuries, so the Arsenal team is really hoping to have him back and ready to play.
Oleksandr Zinchenko This Ukrainian left back has been a very important piece in Arsenal’s defensive machine. His passion and commitment have allowed him to become a big stopper on the sides. Having just transferred from Manchester City, the biggest rival for Arsenal this season, his commitment was originally questioned. He has proved the haters wrong with his performances this season.
Martin Ødegaard As one of the best center midfielders in the entire world, Martin Ødegaard has showcased his astute passing awareness and his brilliant vision around the field. He has led Arsenal this season as the captain, at only 23 years old. The Norwegian star has made his way to the top this season, and he has shown himself to be a generational talent.
Granit Xhaka The defensive midfielder has been one of the most essential players on the team this season and in many seasons past. Granit Xhaka hasn’t had the easiest life with the club in past years, since he has been perceived as having a lack of discipline after mass accumulations of red/yellow cards. This season, though, Granit has flourished and has brought greatness and leadership to the Arsenal team.
Gabriel Martinelli The stellar winger is having a season of seasons currently. He currently has 15 goals and 5 assists, and he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. The Brazilian has found his flow, and he bounces off his other teammates very well to create perfect runs and impressive goals.
Bukayo Saka Nicknamed “Starboy”, Bukayo Saka is truly a different level of football at the moment. The Englishman has been incredible for both club and country, accumulating impressive amounts of goals, assists, and big plays. He has 13 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League this season, which are incredible stats. Saka is the star player for Arsenal at the moment, and he has done all this while maintaining an incredibly friendly and pleasant attitude toward everyone.
With this squad, Arsenal is showing that they’re capable of anything. The one big obstacle for them is Manchester City, who have recently become a powerhouse in the last 10 years. Manchester City have won the last two Premier League titles, and they are a dangerous combatant to Arsenal’s title-chasing hopes. Currently, Arsenal have 6 games left in the season, so they must make a strong title push if they want to obtain the Premier League trophy. What must not be forgotten in this heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, scary, but beautiful sport is that anything can happen. Can Arsenal win their first title since 2004?
After reading this article, I hope that you can be convinced to give the English Premier League a chance. Football, or soccer, may not be the most popular sport in our country, but it is one of the most adored and watched pastimes in every other place in the world. In this article, I believe I made it apparent that the league seasons are different every year, and they bring new, exciting games that are always worth the watch.
The Maroon 