There are three rounds gone and although there’s 35 left, we are beginning to see the Premier League table take shape. Here’s the roundup.
The Big boys
Even though we are just three weeks into what is expected to be the most exciting and competitive Premier League to date, there are already clear signs of who we can expect to dominate and of which teams are already coming apart at the seams.
With the arrival of top managers like Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola there was little surprise that Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City would come flying out of the gates.
This coupled with the signing of star players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi, and Nolito and John Stones, respectively, means that each manager has bolstered an already very strong side.
Despite each side having their own share of luck so far this season, with dramatic last-minute winners securing maximum points, there are already signs they are settling into their manager’s footballing philosophy.
Manchester City have already scored nine goals and look like an unstoppable force going forward, a trait we became so used too when Pep was in charge at the Nou Camp and in Bavaria.
Jose Mourinho should also be praised for shoring up what was a leaky United rear-guard, which to date has conceded just one goal, while also creating enough chances upfront to secure three points in each game so far.
Conte has also done very well in finding the right balance in his side, proving stingy at the back but very potent going forward, traits which lifted Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles a few years back.
The Italian must also be praised for already bringing out the best of star man Eden Hazard after a disappointing campaign last season.
Fourth place hopefuls
Further down the table the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have already dropped some important points, but all being said, both have played some tough fixtures. Both have taken on Liverpool, while Spurs have also played at Goodison Park.
I am sure both sets of North London fans would have expected more from their respective clubs over the summer transfer market, with Arsenal signing Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka early on in the summer but leaving it very late on to secure the services of German defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia.
The Gunners have failed to show the same intent and ambition as other rivals over the summer in what could prove to be Arsene Wenger’s last season should it once again end trophyless.
Tottenham also had a fairly quiet summer bringing in midfielder Victor Wanyama and relatively unknown forward Vincent Janssen from the Dutch league. Considering Spurs have Champions League commitments this season many will doubt if they have what it takes to compete on all fronts.
The surprise package
Ronald Koeman has got off to a good start with Everton and they currently sit in fourth place with seven points. Hull and Middlesbrough have also had a good start to their respective campaigns with Hull winning their first two games but were beaten last week after a very late Manchester United strike.
Newcomers Middlesbrough are showing extremely positive signs following a number of solid performances, winning one and drawing two of these first three games. The Boro will hope to hit the 40 point mark as soon as possible and perhaps even challenge for a Europa League berth.
Last year’s winners
Despite holding on to most of their squad and making a number of solid additions reigning champions Leicester haven’t quite settled this season as Claudio Ranieri looks to prove that his team are not a one-year wonder.
Liverpool have had an equally unsteady start, beating Arsenal 3-4 at the Emirates on the opening day only to lose 2-0 to Burnley a week later. Few doubt Jurgen Klopp’s ability and passion however if he can really turn this Liverpool squad into a consistent side is another matter entirely.
No matter what, this season is already proving to live up to all the pre-season hype with the new TV deal giving Premier League clubs unheard of transfer budgets. Here’s to a fantastic season of Premier League football!
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