On The Ball : Premier League midseason review

Strange season sets up for unlikely contenders

 The attacking verve of Bruno Fernandes (with Anthony Martial) has propelled Manchester United to the league's summit.
The attacking verve of Bruno Fernandes (with Anthony Martial) has propelled Manchester United to the league's summit. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Brendan Rodgers' Leicester are likely to mount title challenges in this most unlikely of seasons.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Brendan Rodgers' Leicester are likely to mount title challenges in this most unlikely of seasons. PHOTOS: REUTERS
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There is a parallel universe, without Covid-19 and with crowds, in which either Liverpool, Manchester City or both are setting a 100-point pace.

That world is found a year ago. Or two, or three.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 27, 2021, with the headline Strange season sets up for unlikely contenders. Subscribe