With seven weeks done, the English Premier League is now firmly underway. The clubs of the world’s top-flight of football have shaken off their rust from the offseason and the pretenders and contenders are revealing themselves.
In one of the most surprising clubs this September, Southampton sits third on the table with 13 points in what has been a strong start to the season. The Saints have only allowed five goals over the course of seven matches, the fewest in the league, and their stout defense has led them to the top-end of the table. Another unexpected team on the top half of the table is Swansea City of southern Wales. Swansea are currently placed fifth on the table with 11 points and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has been in spectacular form with a goal and six assists so far.
However, despite the increased competition from regular outsiders, there has been one club which has placed itself firmly on top of the league table. Chelsea are a clear five points ahead of Manchester City to claim the top spot of the table with 19 points. Unbeaten so far, Chelsea boasts one of the strongest defenses in the game which allows manager Jose Mourinho to go all-in on offense. Averaging three goals a game, Chelsea’s offense has been on fire and that’s mostly thanks to their transfers made this summer.
Transferring from Barcelona, midfielder Cesc Fabregas leads the league with seven assists in seven games and former Atletico Madrid man and striker Diego Costa, leads the league with nine goals. Chelsea has been the most complete club by a large margin and are the clear-cut favorites to win the title as of now.
Right behind Chelsea are last season’s title winners, Manchester City. With 14 points, Manchester City sits near the top of the table but have done so by the skin of their teeth. They have struggled at home in the Etihad, but have been road warriors with three important wins and ten goals scored. Forward Sergio Aguero has five goals so far and Stevan Jovetic is evolving into a superstar right before our eyes. City are now heading into a difficult series of matches against Tottenham, West Ham, and crosstown rivals Manchester United. City must also deal with their demanding Champions League schedule, which requires them to travel to Moscow in between the Tottenham and West Ham matches. It will be a busy month for City and will be crucial in how long they stay afloat at the top of the table.
Fourth on the table with 11 points, Manchester United are looking to secure a spot in the top four this season after their humiliating campaign last season. United’s new manager, Louis van Gaal, spent big this transfer season, a season which was capped by the surprise loan signing of Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao. United boast one of the strongest attacking units in the league with a lineup that includes Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria, and Juan Mata. Di Maria has been the star of the squad so far with three goals and three assists and has been the catalyst of the team. With a strong win this past weekend over Everton, Manchester United have turned hopes into legitimate chances at a league title run.
Currently sitting eighth on the table with 11 points, Arsenal have struggled to win games so far. They have gathered four draws over seven games and suffered a devastating blow to lead striker Olivier Giroud. However, that injury prompted them to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United, who has had an immediate impact as striker. Another good sign for the Gunners is that blistering winger, Theo Walcott, is set to return this month. Walcott, along with an impressive midfield led by Mesut Ozil, could help Arsenal climb the table.
Also with 11 points, Liverpool is currently ninth on the table and are looking to rebound after a mediocre showing in their first seven matches. The loss of forward Luis Suarez leaves a huge hole on the pitch for the Reds. Recent signing Mario Balotelli has been unable to get the ball into the net, despite logging 23 shots so far. While the season has been middling to say the least, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson have shown as bright spots on the team as the wreak havoc with their blistering speed in the midfield.
The season so far looks to be one of the most competitive in a very long time. It’s early, but teams who are regularly in the middle of the table look good enough to take down some of the powerhouses and mix up the status quo in England. In a league where everyone has a chance at the title, this season looks to be one of the closest races yet.
Marcus Mitchell can be reached at marcus.mitchell@spartans.ut.edu