With the World Cup over and English football’s second half of the season firmly back underway, fans were reminded just what they’ve been missing with an action-packed start to 2023.
The Premier League title race is heating up, as is the battle for relegation, with the likes of Southampton, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers all still facing the drop. Elsewhere, the Championship continues to be as competitive as ever, with the quest for promotion seemingly going down to the last few matchdays.
It's been a fine start to the year for the beautiful game in England, and while we’re still only in February there have been plenty of early debates for manager of the year. Plenty of bosses up and down the English pyramid will throw their name in the hat, but who has stood out above the rest? Read on, as we look at some of the best managers so far this season.
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Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
Let’s start with the most obvious candidate — Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has transformed the Gunners this season and while fans who like to bet on football games will insist the title race is one game at a time, this is Arsenal’s best chance to win the league since Arsene Wenger’s invincible team almost 20 years ago.
With some clever signings throughout both transfer windows including Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, as well as patiently waiting for the return of William Saliba at the back, who himself feels like a new signing, the good times are back at the Emirates. While there’s no guarantees of a title, securing top four would mean Arteta’s team earn Champions League football for the first time in his tenure, and an opportunity to come up against some of the best teams across the continent.
Vincent Kompany – Burnley
Next, a look further down to the second tier and to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. While the Belgian was a legend in the North West with Manchester City throughout his playing career, it’s slightly further along the road at Burnley where he has honed his trade as a manager.
The Clarets were a tough nut to crack under Sean Dyche during their Premier League days but their relegation has seen a complete overhaul in their style of play. Long gone are the days of hoofing down the channels and seeing out scrappy wins. Kompany brings a wealth of continental experience to Turf Moor having worked with Pep Guardiola as well as a brief stint as Anderlecht boss. They will certainly be exciting if they earn promotion at the first time of asking.
Darren Moore – Sheffield Wednesday
Darren Moore is something of a forgotten man after leaving West Bromwich Albion five years ago. Having taken over at the Hawthorns and almost steering a sinking ship to safety, Moore was so close to defying the Premier League sports betting odds but ultimately the Baggies were relegated and Moore had to work his way back up the pyramid.
Now at third-tier Sheffield Wednesday, he’s tasked with guiding the Owls out of League One having missed out on promotion last term. With a talented side including star man Josh Windass, Wednesday dumped Newcastle United out of the FA Cup and look well on course for a Championship return, with Moore’s high-pressing tactics making Hillsborough a fortress this season.