Last week, we looked at how the top teams were travelling. In the second week of the international break, we take a look at how the bottom 10 clubs have fared over the early stages of the 2012-13 English Premier League Season.
11. Swansea City
After a barnstorming start to the season which brought two wins and eight goals from their first two games, Swansea have crashed back down to earth, failing to win any of their past five. Import Michu has lead the way in terms of goals netting five for the side.
12. Stoke City
Despite sitting in the bottom half and only having picked up eight points from seven games, Stoke won’t be too bothered by their start to the campaign. In total, Stoke have drawn five times already in the 12/13 season, more than any other team. Their lowly goals tally of six may be cause for some concern, but their standing as the second best defensive team in the EPL is very promising.
13. Sunderland
Similarly to Stoke, the Black Cats’ points total does not reflect their performances thus far this season. For a start, the club has a game in hand after a postponement due to rain, they have also drawn four of their six games and can boast the fourth best defensive record in the division. Despite these positive statistics, Sunderland have alarmingly scored the least amount of goals, with all five coming from the same man, Steven Fletcher.
14. Liverpool
No, you’re not seeing things, the second most successful English club in history is sitting in 14th position. While it may be still early in the season, Liverpool’s chances of winning a title appear to be gone and aspirations of a top-four finish are fading fast. It appears as if the inability to replace former striker Andy Carroll was a big mistake as the club are desperately struggling for goals, a problem which needs to be quickly rectified to avoid further embarrassment.
15. Wigan Athletic
Wigan find themselves in a familiar position at this stage of the season. Sitting just two points out of the relegation spots, it appears as if the Latics will have to fight hard to retain Premier League status as they often do. Wigan’s home form will have to improve if they want to survive as they have not been able to win any of their four home games thus far.
16. Aston Villa
It’s been another ordinary start to the season for the Midlands club, something Villa fans are becoming all to familiar with since the departure of former manager Martin O’Neill. Having barely escaped the drop last season, things will have to improve in order for them to do the same this season, having scored only six goals and having no success on the road.
17. Southampton
It’s been a very tough initiation to the EPL for Southampton. The new boys have put in solid performances against top teams, but despite this, only have four points to show for their efforts so far. Their record as easily the worst defensive team in the league is the largest issue. The South-Coast club let in six against Arsenal and have conceded three goals on another three occasions.
18. Reading
Having been the first team promoted to the top-flight for this season, Reading have failed to show the type of form which warranted their promotion. There have been some glimpses of a quality side, but on the whole it has been a largely disappointing start as they continue to chase their first EPL victory.
19. Norwich
Norwich City will be very disappointed with their below-par start to the season, which is yet to yield a win. After a successful first season back in the top flight, a change of manager has not brought the same accolades to the Norfolk club. Norwich holds the lowest goal difference of any team, scoring the equal least and conceding the second most.
20. Queens Park Rangers
It’s been a massively disappointing start to the 12/13 season for QPR. After spending big in the transfer window, the West-Londoners sit bottom of the pile on just two points. Calls for the sacking of manager Mark Hughes have already been heard, but both the board and players are said to be behind their man in charge.
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