Often admired as the best football league in the planet, English Premier League hasn’t failed to disappoint us this season either. While many eyes were fixated on last season’s surprise winners Leicester City, who patched together an improbable fairytale, this year’s limelight, so far, has been stolen by the resurgent Chelsea managed by Italian Antonio Conte and the ever-aspiring Tottenham Hotspurs under Argentine Mauricio Pochetinno.

With many pundits attributing Conte’s change in formation to 3-4-3 as the key to Chelsea’s claim for the title, the omnipresence of the PFA Player of the Year N’Golo Kanté has been the crucial differentiating factor that has propelled the Blues ahead of the competition this year, just as he did Leicester last season. The diminutive Frenchman has been so visible in Chelsea’s midfield that it has become a long standing joke that it feels like there is not just one, but two Kantés on the field at any given time.

Often this season, Chelsea didn’t seem to have any weaknesses and the west London side were fluent, decisive and dangerous during their 13-match unbeaten run, where they scored 32 goals and conceded only four—a record in itself. Apart from Kante, players like Eden Hazard, Pedro Rodriguez, Diego Costa and David Luiz have all played to their potential and the team has for large parts this season functioned like an impervious, well-oiled machine. But nothing lasts forever, not least in the EPL, and Chelsea’s seemingly runaway jaunt to the title was brought to a grounding halt by primary contenders Tottenham in a sound 2-0 drubbing in March. Since then, Chelsea’s once 13 point lead at the top of the table has wilted down to just four and we seem to have a genuine title race in our hands, with Tottenham Hotspurs hot on their heels, refusing to let go.

Despite Spurs’ sound defense, creative midfield and prolific attack, their remaining five fixtures seem more challenging than in comparison to that of Chelsea. Spurs are yet to play against Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester United, Leicester and Hull City while Chelsea’s remaining fixtures see ties against Everton, Middlesbrough, West Brom, Watford and Sunderland.

Two London derbies, coupled with matches against two opponents vying for top four spot and qualification for UEFA Champions League, means the road ahead is not going to be anywhere close to easy for Tottenham. In sharp contrast, Chelsea are to play against clubs that either are struggling in the relegation battle or are cosy in the middle of the table. With the toughest challenge for the Blues coming from Everton in the next fixture, it would serve Chelsea well not to become complacent in their remaining fixtures in the title run-in. Unlike the Spanish La Liga or the German Bundesliga, where a couple of giant teams barely lose points other than against each other, the EPL is always full of surprises. In England, there just aren’t any ‘minnows’. 

With Spurs having seen off Crystal Palace, who have shocked the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool this year, they have made clear declaration of intent and the team does not look like botching results at the tail-end of the season like they have done in previous years. A win against Arsenal, who themselves are caught up in an identity crisis of sorts, would only further boost enthusiasm and belief in the side which boasts the two-time Young Player of the Year Dele Alli, proven finisher Harry Kane and ‘Creator in Chief’ Christian Eriksen. Much will be demanded by Spurs faithful in the remaining matches from these gems in white than ever before. There just is no time to stand and stare, and with Chelsea maintaining a slender four point edge, any hiccups and Spurs looked primed to end their long wait for the EPL crown. 

Like always, the Premier League hasn’t just been about those chasing the title aspirations. The race behind the top two is shaping up to be equally enthralling. Arch-enemies Jose Mourinho at the helm of Manchester United and Pep Guardiola in charge of Manchester City grabbed all the headlines when the season began. The charming and mercurial Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and ever so low-key Arsene Wenger at Arsenal were also in the fray. However, inconsistent performances injuries and dependence on individuals did not serve the cause for these four sides. But regardless, the race for the top four spots is shaping up rather nicely, and should Tottenham stutter and surrender the title to Chelsea, all eyes will be on this scramble by four major heavyweights to secure two European berths. At this point of time, it is impossible to predict who will represent England in next year’s coveted Champion’s League, but the two Manchester teams seem to have the momentum on their side. 

All in all, EPL has served up a thrilling season once again to its legions of fans around the world. And with a painfully-long three-month summer break now already looming large, fans will want to soak in all the football they can this May; which won’t be hard because what a closure to the season we are having!