The stat that proves this Premier League season is the most unpredictable ever
It’s been a strange old season so far; the Premier League continues despite all that’s going on in the world and you could certainly argue the current circumstances have added to the competition’s unpredictability.
Without supporters in attendance, home advantage is no longer as significant and the loss of revenue that comes off the back of that has contributed to what has so far been a very underwhelming January transfer window.
In a matter of weeks, teams can seemingly go from the highs of a title challenge to the lows of a full blown crisis and we’ve seen some strange results, perhaps most notably Aston Villa’s 7-2 win over last season’s runaway champions Liverpool.
The modern game is flooded with all sorts of statistics, but none demonstrate the unpredictable nature of this current Premier League campaign more than this one: So far, nine different teams have finished a day top of the pile, the most within a single season since 1986/87.
9 – Manchester City’s win sees them finish the day top of the Premier League table for the first time this season, becoming the ninth different side to end a day top this term, the most within a single top-flight campaign since 1986-87 (also 9). Rotation. pic.twitter.com/xphNfid4ji
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 26, 2021
Currently, just 11 points separate the leaders Manchester City and Aston Villa down in tenth position, despite the Midlands club having played two games fewer than most of the sides above them.
The first half of the season has certainly thrown up plenty of surprises; the heavy fixture schedules have led to more rotation than usual and the need to complete all competitions in what is already a condensed season ahead of the summer’s European Championship means managers are having to prioritise more.
As we approach the business end of the season, perhaps we’ll see the table start to take a clearer shape, particularly at the top. Following Manchester United’s shock defeat at home to Sheffield United last night, the blue half of Manchester have held onto the control at the top of the division and having played a game fewer, it seems they’re in pole position to go on and win the title.
The unpredictability has added to the entertainment value the Premier League undoubtedly already boasted. As fans, it can leave you tearing your hair out but for the neutral, so far, it’s been a dream.