Summing up 2021-22 so far for all 20 teams

Manchester City look hot favourites to win a fourth Premier League title in five years, and Norwich City seem doomed to an instant return to the Championship. Beyond that, it is very much all up for grabs.

Here is the half-term report, even if COVID-19 postponements mean a fair few teams are yet to complete 19 games.

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Arguably the most improved team in the league. Bottom in August, they are in the top four after four consecutive victories by a combined scoreline of 14-1. Young talents are starting to blossom and manager Mikel Arteta has silenced his critics. Gabriel Martinelli has been their breakout star.

Steven Gerrard has made a good start since replacing Dean Smith as manager, adding extra dynamism, organisation and belief to the team. They have lost to Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, but won Gerrard’s four other games and seem set for a midtable finish. Jacob Ramsey, 20, is a player to watch.

A position nine points clear of the bottom three is cause for celebration for a club who were dismissed as a “bus stop in Hounslow” and tipped for relegation. Bright and refreshing and generally holding their own. Ivan Toney is passing the audition at the top level despite only four goals so far.

Graham Potter’s side have lost only four games but draw way too many to sustain the top-six challenge they promised in October. They badly need a predator to finish their attractive approach play — only two teams have scored fewer goals. Leandro Trossard has developed into a more consistent threat, and his cute lob in…