As we head into the first international break of the season, the greatest league in the world is beginning to take shape, with clubs up and down the country getting off to varying starts. But what have we learnt so far?
The Top Six:
The Premier League’s Top Six positions have been occupied by more-or-less the same clubs for the past decade, with only 5 clubs breaking the glass ceiling since the 2010/11 season. So, from what we’ve seen so far, does it indicate that these same clubs will dominate the league for the 22/23 season?
The answer is a definitive yes. Whilst it is still very early and a wind of change isn’t beyond the realms of possibility, it is very difficult to see a side good enough to put up a consistent challenge against these clubs. Given the influx of cash they receive year on year from their league position, it is very hard for the challengers to bridge the gap and there have been no signs so far from anyone that they have both the quality and mettle to smash the glass ceiling and claim European qualification.
Given the potential comfort these big names may feel from the rest of the hunting pack, it appears there will be plenty to play for at the top, with a plethora of drama to boot. The title race looks to have opened up to more clubs, with Mikel Arteta’s young guns firing on all cylinders, whilst Antonio Conte’s men have quietly gone about their business without a defeat. Despite these promising starts, it would be impossible to ignore the unstoppable winning-machine that is Manchester City and their consistent challengers Liverpool. Albeit the reds have got off to a shaky start, there is no denying the quality they possess as a unit and the attacking prowess they pose and it can be said with little doubt that they will not continue to find themselves in the position they currently are and they are sure to move up the table. As for the Citizens, they are surely the favourites for the season, especially as Erling Haaland has slotted in seamlessly and is bagging goals at an alarming rate. The powerful Norwegian is favourite for the golden boot with 11 league goals in 7 appearances already, with some pundits backing him to break the Premier League record of 34 in a season set by Andy Cole in 93/94 and then equalled in 94/95 by Blackburn’s Alan Shearer. Combine Haaland’s clinical marksmanship with the poise and quality of Foden, Silva, De Bruyne and co and the defensive steel of Dias, Rodri et al, and City appear to be simply unstoppable.
The flop of the bunch looks to be Chelsea, as the Blues big signings have failed to register a big impact and shockingly sacked Thomas Tuchel just 7 games in after giving him £260.1m to spend on transfers. New owner Todd Boehly has not given a great first impression to the Blues faithful with this sacking, and his choice to replace Graham Potter certainly hasn’t made them any more convinced of his decision making. Meanwhile, the Ten Hag revolution at Old Trafford has got off to a steady start after initial panic following their drubbing at Brentford, as they’ve since registered 4 wins on the spin in the league. Question marks remain over the Glazers; however the United fans seem to be content with the football the Dutchman is serving up.
Poll: Who will win the Premier League?
Manchester City
Liverpool
Arsenal
Tottenham
Chelsea
Manchester United
Other (comment below)
The Challengers:
Few clubs in the top flight have mounted a serious challenge to the top six over the course of the last 10-15 years, with only Leicester and West Ham finishing in the sought-after spots since 2015. So, could a 3rd team add their name to this list and upset the apple card? And, if not, who will be the ones who qualify for the Europa Conference League?
Going into the new season, the 2 obvious candidates to break the top 6 would’ve been the aforementioned West Ham and Leicester. The Hammers have consolidated their position in the top half of the table over the past 2 seasons, achieving back-to-back European Qualifications under David Moyes, however their underwhelming start to the season will be cause for concern for Irons supporters as early signs suggest they are going to find it difficult to replicate their previous form. Could they be in for a long season, or is it just another slow Moyes start? Only time will tell, but early performances have been foreboding.
As for Leicester, the Foxes appear to be in real trouble. Albeit Rodgers’ men are only 7 games in, performances have been dire, especially defensively. This poor form has been coupled with the loss of both centre half Wesley Fofana and club-captain and Leicester legend Kasper Schmeichel, which seems to have impacted them both on and off pitch with leadership qualities lacking in every department. For the time being, City will certainly be looking down the table rather than up.
In truth, no side really looks like finishing in one of the spots, however the most likely is surely Newcastle United, given their financial backing and astute signings. The appointment of Eddie Howe has proven to be a popular one on Tyneside as his side finished last season strongly and are proving a tough nut to crack with just one defeat all season- a last minute winner at Anfield were the referees time-keeping could certainly be called into question. Whilst they haven’t recorded a victory since the opening day, the Magpies will be full of optimism going into the break and will surely match solid performances with solid wins and it would be no surprise to see them occupy the Conference League slot come May.
Brighton looked like a potential challenger at the beginning of the season as the Seagulls displayed defensive solidity and creative attacking prowess under the tutelage of Graham Potter, however Potter’s move to Chelsea has left them unsure of their future and mood in the camp will certainly have been deflated. The club appointed Roberto de Zerbi last week and so the jury is out on how he will fare in the Premier League, but you would be a fool to write off the Albion given their impressive start and if they can continue this form under the Italian there is no reason why they can’t break the top spots.
Wolves have mounted challenges in the past but that looks out of the window at this early stage after a poor end to last season and a disappointing start to this. Lage has a big job on his hands if he wishes to restore Wanderers back to the heights they reached under Nuno Espirito Santo and get Molyneux bouncing again.
Everton are the final club you could make a case for; however, it would certainly be a huge surprise. The Toffees have been rejuvenated under Lampard, but there are huge steps to be made before Everton can seriously think about challenging for European places. Their signings have been effective all over the pitch and the Evertonian’s have proven their worth yet again with their incredible support being transferred into the players performances. They are certainly a sturdy and committed outfit, but I think every blue would accept a season of survival with no drama (I know I would!) as they continue to make strides under the Premier League legend.
Who will be the Premier League’s surprise package?
West Ham
Newcastle United
Brighton
Wolves
Everton
The Relegation Battle
After last season’s dramatic conclusion at the foot of the table, a host of teams will be looking nervously over their shoulder as they try and hit the 40-point mark. So, who can we expect to see involved in the dreaded run-in come May?
Leeds and Everton were every pundit’s favourite for the drop this season, however given their solid starts there is an air of optimism at each club with both looking likely to cement their place in the Premiership comfortably. They have both invested smartly in the transfer window, have shown steel defensively and, most importantly, got their fans onside- something invaluable at clubs with fans as passionate as these. A lot can change over the course of a season and it would be no surprise to see either club involved in another relegation dog-fight, but early signs are promising for these giants of English Football.
Of the 3 newly promoted sides, Fulham have taken to the Premier League like a duck to water as they have accumulated 11 points and sit comfortably in 7th. With the experience of Marco Silva and the constant goal threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Cottagers look very assured for such a young side and haven’t shown any signs of being in trouble by the end of the season. As for Forest and Bournemouth, there have been clear indications of a potential end-of-season tussle as both clubs have struggled thus far. Whilst the Cherries have picked up an impressive 8 points, performances have been below par and they have a tendency to leak goals, a bad sign when you’re expected to be fighting for survival. Forest, on the other hand, have picked up a measly 4 points and don’t look to be a tough team to beat. The defensively frailties shown by both in the first 7 games make them a shoe-in to face trouble at some stage this season, and Steve Cooper and the soon-to-be-appointed Bournemouth boss have some job on their hands if they wish to steer the ship in the direction of safety.
The 2 clubs who may surprise a few and be involved the battle are Leicester and Aston Villa. The Foxes look to be a shell of their former selves as they are winless in 7 and have leaked 22 goals in that time. Defensive errors, a shocking transfer window and a lack of leaders have created a recipe for disaster at the King Power, as shocking performances have led to poor results and fans becoming restless. Brendan Rodgers job is on the line with 6 defeats on the spin and only 1 point gained all season, and his players already face 2 crunch games after the break against Forest and Bournemouth. Failure to pick up points against these sides may render Rodgers unemployed and have a heavy impact on Leicester’s season. As for Aston Villa, the word unconvincing doesn’t do them justice as Gerrard’s men have put in some questionable performance, and their big money signings continue to disappoint. Furthermore, question marks about Gerrard’s ability as a manager have been raised by the Villa Park faithful as he fails to get the best out of his squad. Time will tell how Villa do this season; their squad appears too good to go down but stranger things have happened.
Lastly, Southampton could find themselves in the fight if their newly-formed squad fail to gel quickly. Ralph Hassenhuttl has made serious changes to his squad as he looks to create a young, high-energy group, however their lack of experience of top-level football will certainly cost them points, just how many? It would be a surprise to see the Saints take up a slot either side of their mid-table berth, but their inexperience could work against them and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them flirt with relegation this season.
Who will be the bottom three? (Comment below)