Seven rounds of the Premier League games have been played as we go into the second international break of the season.
There’s no league football for the next few days so it’s a perfect time to take stock at the season so far and assess the top clubs on the table.
Manchester City – 18 Points
Man City’s perfect start to the league campaign ended at White Hart Lane where Tottenham Hotspur convincingly beat Pep Guardiola’s men. Six wins out of seven is still a great start but early shouts of Man City running away with the league title is not so clear now.
Mauricio Pochetino has given other Premier League managers a fair few ideas on how to beat the Sky Blues.
Tottenham Hotspur – 17 Points
Spurs are the only unbeaten side remaining in the Premier League. It’s too early to suggest whether they can actually mount a title challenge but they are a hardworking and fit young side. Remember Leicester won the league last season on the basis of hardwork and player fitness.
A team of no actual superstars but a very strong unit together are always good to watch. Mauricio Pochetino is doing a fine job.
Arsenal, Liverpool – 16 Points
After opening day defeat to Liverpool, Arsenal have come back on track by winning five league games on the bounce.
Arsene Wenger celebrated his 20th anniversary as Arsenal boss with a 1-0 win over Burnley. An international break is not always welcomed when a team is in form but the fans will hope the Gunners can maintain this form as some less challenging fixtures are coming up after the break.
Liverpool, level on points with Arsenal are just behind on goal difference. Jurgen Klopp’s men are joint top scorers in the league with Man City on 18 goals. But their problem lies in defence, seven games and zero clean sheets.
Can Liverpool expect to outscore opponents in every game in the Premier League?
Everton – 14 Points
Everton are the surprise package of the season so far. New manager Ronald Koeman has sorted out the shortcomings of the Toffees which was their backline. Four wins, two draws and one defeat reads very well.
The fixture list has been favourable to them in the early weeks but the real test of Everton will come against the biggies. Man City are their next opponents after the break.
Manchester United, Chelsea – 13 Points
Both these clubs started the season with three consecutive wins but then failed to deliver the results. Manchester United lost their first big test of the season against fiercest rival Manchester City whereas Chelsea lost to Liverpool and city rivals Arsenal heavily.
Jose Mourinho’s men looked to be back on track by beating champions Leicester 4-1 but the 1-1 draw at home to Stoke has made the fans tense.
Antonio Conte switched to a three man defence for the first time at Chelsea and recorded a clean sheet victory over Hull City which will give him and fans confidence.
Straight after the break Manchester United will face Liverpool and Chelsea.
That’s the story of the Premier League season so far at the top of the table. There’s an unlimited number of twists and turns will happen between now and end of the season. The international break will just increase the excitement among the fans.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Hey Albo, In fairness, the goalkeeper for Stoke Grant had an absolute worldie and made saves he had no right to make. Stoke were easily second best, and Allen's equaliser was unlucky on United's part given their dominance. It's very easy to that Mourinho should have done this or that. I think anyone who thinks that United can go from three seasons of mediocrity to the cream of England should get their head checked. Buying world class players like Pogba or Ibrahimovic doesn't mean much if the system isn't right. That system will take time, and Jose Mourinho's reigns at all his clubs always are better in the second season. He did win the title in his first season at Chelsea back in 04/05, but that was when money could really talk, and Chelsea were the only ones who had it. Now all the clubs can buy 20m pound players, but that means little if the system isn't right. I'll be more scared of United next season than now. For the time being, Mourinho"s sole focus should be on restoring United to the top four, win a cup trophy along the way if possible, and catapult the club for another spending spree next season when they can mount a proper title challenge of worth. Until then, I'm more inclined to look over at the other side of Manchester, both clubs in north London, or even the Reds of Merseyside on where the title may go.
Aneesh Chandoke
Roar Pro
Good point Albo. Man United do not look like a settled side. Manager still doesnt know his best 11 which is so unlike Mourinho. Pogba is wasting chances in every game and Martial Rashford are not wingers. About time he realises the difference between strikers and wing forwards?
Albo
Guest
Not sure much has changed at ManU ? Despite another massive spend on imports, they are not scoring many goals and still conceding more easy goals than many. They should have scored 7 or 8 against Stoke last week at Old Trafford but struggled to net one, and at the same time they were lucky not to concede 3 or 4 against the cellar dwellers with the worst for and against in the league ? The mix is still not right, and Mourinho should have spent more on a back 4 rather than on a front/mid 4. What's the point of having the likes of Rooney, Martial, Memphis, Fellaini , Carrick & Young sitting on the bench, whilst fielding another side unable to beat Stoke at home ? or Watford away ?