Our Premier League 2023/2024 Awards So Far

Another EPL season culminates in an enthralling en

May 10, 2024 A Football Report

Our Premier League 2023/2024 Awards So Far

Another EPL season culminates in an enthralling end with a tightened three-horse race shaping up. It's that time of the year again when the writers, highly competent to work at the best college essay writing service, bring their heads together to formulate deserving accolades for performances this season.

It’s been a high-performance season, given the record numbers. Haaland seemed off the mark compared to last season but managed to cross the 20-goal mark, despite being sidelined due to injury. One standout performance is undeniably Cole Palmer’s joint-top.

To echo, let’s take back a while to revisit some of the standout performances that need a call-out:

Player of the Season Contenders

This was a hard list, given the star-studded performances across the board. But here are some worthy contenders:

Declan Rice

The €105 million price tag only heaped pressure on him, and many suggested that the Gunners overpaid. But all doubts were dispelled after several impressive showings in the new ‘8’ role Mikel Arteta created for him. He has featured in every Premier League game he has been eligible for since joining the Gunners.

Only William Saliba has played more minutes for the North Londoners in the English top league this season.

Moreover, he has had several Man of the Match moments this season, with sensational clutch goals in their wins over Manchester United and Luton Town.

Phil Foden

One of the biggest criticisms for Foden posted years was whether he had a performance, especially in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. At this point, just 23, Foden looks settled under Pep Guardiola, with the high precision, agility, and speed to open up games.

Foden has 14 Premier League games, marking his best-ever turn. He has had a wonderful season, with some two hat tricks. The most difficult question is what his best position remains. He’s certainly a nailed-on starter for England heading into the Euros.

Martin Odegaard

It's not an Arsenal bias to note a second player as a contender for Player of the Season. It's a testament to Arsenal's incredible form in the league so far. The Norwegian playmaker has been the brilliance and magic behind the side's meteoric rise.

The Captain's role within the team changed while receiving the ball from deep and dictating the tempo for the side. An eight-goal and six-assist return must consider the pressing, energy, and consistency the 25-year-old put up this season.

Manager of the Season Contenders

It's been a less frantic time for managers this season than last, with only three manager sackings: Bruno Lage, Nathan Jones, and Javi Garcia. Let's look at some managerial stints that deserve praise:

Unai Emery

Unai Emery did a good job picking up a Villa side from a relegation-battling state under a disgruntled Steven Gerrard to a potential fourth-place finish with the Spanish manager. Well, the timeline at Arsenal was a let-down and he was dismissed, but Nassef Sawiris only needed a Europa League winner with Sevilla to make the call.

The side is six points safely away from Tottenham in fifth when it comes to the argument for the title and his summer acquisitions have been key in reaching this peak performance level.

Mikel Arteta

Another title run-in for Arsenal after capitulating last season is something that even script writers to whom a student might pay for essay online wouldn’t imagine. However, ‘believe the process’ slogan was not merely a saying to buy time for Arteta at the Emirates. Unquestionably, the most offensive and highly defensive team has been Arsenal. This calendar year, the side has only considered six goals. David Raya, playing as a goalkeeper is the leading runner in the Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets.

Best Bargain Contenders

Headline summer signings past the €100 million mark took many conversations. However, some bargain signings came through for their respective clubs:

Alexis Mac Allister

Arguably a contender for POTY, the World Cup winner has been instrumental in Klopp's last ride in the Premier League. Scooping Alexis Mac Allister for a meager €35 million, given his partner went for €115 million, seems like a steal. Moreover, he took a different role in Liverpool's midfield, which is different from the role in which he was predominantly a player for the Seagulls.

Jaoa Pedro

De Zerbi might be wasting their time on flattering this season. However, by these standards, losing both Caicedo and Mac Allister in the same transfer window is a fairly pleasant surprise. Watford’s Joao Pedro was coped up at only €30 million, which can now be viewed as a great bargain. Pedro has scored eight goals in Serie A and six goals in the Europa League.

Transfer Flop Contenders

It's hard to pinpoint some 'flop' signings of the season. However, some signings have been below par given the expectations:

Ansu Fati

Acquiring a La Masia pedigree to Brighton was a major surprise for many as Ansu Fati turned down other clubs to settle for Brighton. However, he needs to perform better and mark his stance on the side. He fell the pecking order, with Karou Mitoma and Adingra proving more efficient on the left win.

Breakthrough Act

Some unexpected acts proved much more assets to their sides than anyone expected. Here are our top picks:

Kobbie Maino

With Manchester United’s dismal performances resulting in an exit from both cup competitions, it is safe to say that it has been a forgetful season for the Red Devils. However, barring everything else, one standout difference and the shining light for the entire season goes to Kobbie Maino for holding the team all through.

Luckily for him besides the individual success, he has earned a place in England’s first team setup before the Euros.maino is a 19-year old.

Goal of the Season

There have been some wonderful goals this season, which are PUSKAS-worthy. However, Garnacho's overhead bicycle kick against Everton stands out as the goal of the season. The sheer brilliance, technique, and execution were perfect.

VAR Lowlight

VAR's controversies have been in the limelight throughout the season. The standout performance was the cagey 4-3 loss of Liverpool at Tottenham, with Luiz Diaz's goal ruled out.

The most controversial lowlight was this month's 2-0 loss of Nottingham Forest to Everton. Three controversial penalty claims were unexplainably turned down. The furor saw management write a public message on X explaining their disgruntlement with the results.