As we approach the Premier League’s halfway point, it’s time to take stock of what we have seen so far, especially in the dugout. We’ve seen six managerial changes already, but where do the manager’s rank based on this season only? We’ve taken a crack at it.
20 - Frank Lampard
It's surely only a matter of time before Everton are looking for a new manager. He may have kept them up last term, but Lampard looks out of his depth.
19 - David Moyes
Moyes set incredibly high standards over the last few seasons by qualifying for, and then reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League. There’s no doubt he’s been good for the Hammers, but this term, it has been worrying in the league. They’ve lost five in a row and only sit above the bottom three on goal difference. Only his performance in the Conference League keeps him off the bottom.
18 - Nathan Jones
Harsh? Potentially. Southampton have one of the worst squads in the Premier League and look destined for the drop this term. Since replacing Ralph Hassehuttl, Jones has managed four games without a new manager bounce. Won one, lost three. Relegation looks inevitable.
17 - Brendan Rodgers
This Leicester City squad shouldn't be anywhere near relegation. Their current position of 13th is perhaps a false one when you consider that they are three points off the drop, and have played a game more than their rivals. Rodgers is massively underperforming.
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16 - Steve Cooper
Cooper made 22 signings this summer and has been given a new contract when it looked like he could be sacked. It’s a move that could pay off in the long-run, but currently Forest sit 18th. It was always going to be a tough challenge to get this squad to gel, but Cooper has done alright so far and has a League Cup quarter-final v Wolves to look ahead to.
Steve Cooper on potential January transfer business for Nottingham Forest 💰
15 - Jesse Marsch
Leeds have been doing just fine this term. They will be looking over their shoulder at the relegation spots but for now, and with Patrick Bamford returning, Marsch is keeping his and Leeds’ head above water. Following Marcelo Bielsa was always going to be tough, but the American has equipped himself well.
14 - Gary O’Neill
Tough to place. Bournemouth stated the season incredibly well following the dismissal of Scott Parker and O’Neill has exceeded expectations in a lot of ways. However, their recent slump down the table is inescapable and they could find themselves in the bottom three before too long. The Cherries were favourites to go down and are currently outside the relegation zone, so O’Neill deserves credit for that.
13 - Graham Potter
Potter’s start to life as Chelsea boss has been tough. He has walked into a club with seemingly unlimited money and a disjointed squad and attempted to form some functionality. It’s been hit and miss. Right now, the Blues are underperforming and there are some shouts from fans of the most trigger-happy club in the league to sack him already, but he deserves the season. Chelsea lie in tenth in the league, but Thomas Tuchel must take some responsibility for that, while they are in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
12 - Julen Lopetegui
Lopetegui hasn't been at Molineux long enough to make a serious judgement, but Wolves have improved drastically. Two wins from three, and a narrow loss to Manchester United seems to suggest he has enough to keep them in the league. Plus they have a League Cup quarter-final to enjoy.
11 - Patrick Vieira
Steady. The Frenchman has been impressively calm during his tenure so far at Selhurst Park and that has continued this term. Palace are 11th, could secure a top half finish, and are in no danger of relegation. The football has also come a long way since he replaced Roy Hodgson.
Patrick Vieira is hoping to add players to his squad in the January transfer window ✍️
10 - Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool are underperforming this year. So is their boss. Injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz haven’t helped things but they’ve still spent a decent chunk of cash and sit seven points off the top four. That simply isn’t good enough for the Reds.
9 - Antonio Conte
The feeling around Conte at Spurs has soured. Even though they remain fifth in the Premier League, form has dropped off and the football on show isn’t the best. They still have a chance of making it into the Champions League next season, and have qualified for the last 16 of this year’s competition. It’s a key moment in Spurs’ season and the excitement around Conte has faded.
8 - Roberto De Zerbi
When Graham Potter left Brighton, along with Marc Cucurella, many thought Brighton would fall away. However, De Zerbi came in and continued the good work. The four goals at Goodison, three at Anfield and three at Wolves make the Seagulls incredibly exciting to watch. De Zerbi’s done well since his arrival.
7 - Unai Emery
He may have only been in charge for five games, but after three wins, Aston Villa look like a different club under the Spaniard. An away win at Spurs was impressive, as was a 1-0 win over Chelsea at home. Villa are looking upward under Emery after his great start.
6 - Pep Guardiola
Manchester City aren’t top of the league, so by Guardiola’s high standards, they are underperforming. Erling Haaland has been sensational, but unless they come out on top, Guardiola will not be happy. So far, several managers have outperformed him this term.
5 - Erik ten Hag
United above City. Perhaps not in the table just yet - but Ten Hag has outperformed Guardiola so far this term. He came into a club in disarray. He’s had to deal with the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and now his club are cemented in the top four. They can win the league too, but keep that one on the down low.
The process has begun 🧠
4 - Thomas Frank
What a job the Brentford boss has done. Even after losing Christian Eriksen in the summer, he has guided his side to wins over Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City this term. They currently sit in the top half of the table and are well away from relegation. Stunning.
3 - Marco Silva
Top three. Many thought Fulham were destined for relegation this term. Instead Silva has led them, inspired by Aleksandar Mitrovic, to seventh in the league and European football could be on the cards. They’ve been simply superb this term.
2 - Mikel Arteta
Top of the league but not in top spot on our list. Arteta has been superb with the Gunners this term and has placed them top of the tree in the New Year, having only lost once. His young squad have been thrilling to watch and they have a genuine chance of winning the title.
1 - Eddie Howe
When Howe took over, Newcastle United were in the relegation zone. With some investment from the new owners, he kept them up, but nobody predicted them to be challenging for the Champions League places the following year. The Magpies have lost just once this term, and that was an unfortunate late loss at Anfield, and they show no signs of slowing down in their hunt for the top four. Fair play Eddie Howe, you are our number one.
