The 10 clubs in Europe’s top five leagues with the most points in 2022
Seasons don’t take place over the course of a calendar year but fans of Barcelona, Manchester City and Napoli would surely be in favour of such a system being implemented for 2022.
While some clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester United, have struggled for consistent form in 2022, others have made substantial progress since the turn of the year.
We’ve taken a closer look at the 10 clubs who’ve picked up the most points in Europe’s five elite leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) from the start of January to date.
=9. Tottenham (71 points)
They may have been underwhelming in matches against their Big Six rivals, but Spurs have been efficient in beating the teams below them throughout the last 12 months.
Antonio Conte’s arrival in November 2021 was enough to light a rocket up the derriere of some of Spurs’ most underperforming players and an excellent end to last season was enough to steal fourth place from Arsenal.
=9. Lens (71 points)
The most surprising name on our list, Lens have enjoyed an excellent 2022 which has made a return to Champions League football a real possibility for one of France’s most passionately supported clubs.
It’ll be galling for Lens that their only defeat in 22-23 has come in the Derby du Nord against Lille but, if they continue their 2022 form into next year, they could become one Europe’s feel-good stories of the season.
8. Arsenal (74 points)
Last season’s failure to secure Champions League qualification has been long forgotten as Arsenal top the Premier League table in 2022-23.
Men such as William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have become breakout stars while the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have put in quality performances on a weekly basis.
If Mikel Arteta’s side can carry on with its current trajectory, they will have a shot a the Premier League title this season.
Eddie Nketiah. This is unreal. pic.twitter.com/9bUj26wsDP
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) December 26, 2022
7. Real Madrid (75 points)
Real Madrid romped to the La Liga title last season, with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. in irresistible form, and it’d be no surprise to see them crowned champions of Spain again this year.
“We’re not thinking about the winter window. We’re not interested in it. This is the squad we’ll have until the end of the season. It won’t change,” Carlo Ancelotti recently told reporters. Now that’s confidence.
6. Liverpool (76 points)
Yes, Liverpool have been terrible at times this season; defeats against Leeds and Nottingham Forest would’ve been unthinkable this time last year and Jurgen Klopp’s side already face a challenge to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
But the Reds were imperious between January and May, collecting eight more points than Manchester City and almost lifting the Premier League title.
We wouldn’t bet against Liverpool making a resurgence at the start of 2023, especially after the signing of Cody Gakpo.
5. AC Milan (77 points)
Milan won their first Scudetto since 2011 after motoring away from the chasing pack over the second half of last season.
Stefano Pioli’s side beat the likes of Roma, Internazionale and Napoli en route to the championship and are right in the mix again this year too.
4. Manchester City (78 points)
By far the most impressive team in England, City signed Erling Haaland to ensure their domestic dominance continued into 2022-23. Safe to say it’s been a successful strategy so far…
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name Man City’s top 30 Premier League goalscorers?
3. Napoli (81 points)
Napoli were last crowned Serie A champions in 1990. But performances in 2022 – continuing their impressive run from last season into the current campaign – means they might never have a better chance to end a 33-year quest to become kings of Italy once more.
Expect the intensity in Naples to reach boiling point if Napoli can maintain their current level of success.
2. Barcelona (82 points)
The knives may be sharpening for Xavi after their early Champions League exit, but Barca have been extremely impressive in La Liga this year.
Putting their European failings aside, Xavi’s side have swept aside their domestic opponents with new striker Robert Lewandowski turning defenders into a quivering wreck.
Barca haven’t lifted the league title since 2019. Xavi’s job would be under threat if that record doesn’t change this season.
1. PSG (84 points)
Lionel Messi. Neymar. Kylian Mbappe. Just three of the reasons PSG have been so ruthless throughout the current calendar year.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the emotions of the World Cup impacts their striking trio at the start of the next year but, for now, PSG have hit upon a winning formula.
READ MORE: Ranking every Premier League team by their number of top-four finishes
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 23 players Barcelona have signed from the PL?