Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Despite some improvements at Rangers, there is little doubt that Celtic are still the dominant force in Scottish football. One of the key players behind their recent good form is winger James Forrest. The rapid attacker has been brilliant under Brendan Rodgers and gives Celtic an edge in the attacking third with his blistering pace.
Of course, it could have been very different. In 2016, it appeared as though Forrest was on his way out of Celtic.
His contract was due to expire in December that year and in February he rejected a new offer from the club. Manager at the time Ronny Deila even came out and confirmed Forrest was on his way.
However, the Norwegian was the man who ended up leaving Celtic. Deila left that summer and was replaced by Rodgers. That August, Forrest penned a new three-year deal.
“We offered him a contract and he has turned it down. He has told us he wishes to see what his other options are.
“I cannot see that we will go back to him with another improved deal because to my mind it was a very good offer that the club put to him.”
It seems clear that Forrest never wanted to leave Celtic. However, he clearly had a difficult relationship with Deila that was forcing him to consider leaving his boyhood club.
Looking back now, Forrest has come on leaps and bounds over the past two seasons. He is a much improved player compared to his 2016 version and the credit must go to Rodgers for turning his Celtic fortunes around.
Celtic will just be glad Deila went before Forrest did.