The Premier League this season was predicted to be a two-horse race between reigning Champions Manchester City and an improved Liverpool side who made significant strides under Jurgen Klopp in recent years. Both these teams, as expected, enjoyed blistering inception of the new campaign, but are set to be challenged by Chelsea and Arsenal, two London giants, who have also exhibited massive upsurge despite a change of management. Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have not lost a single game yet in the league and are jointly leading the race with 20 points from 8 games before entering the ongoing international break.
Chelsea, under Maurizio Sarri, have emerged as a formidable force in spite of last season’s shambles whereas Arsenal, who although lost their first two encounters, have been benefitted from their underdog status. Unai Emery, the new Gunners gaffer, has led them to clinch six successive league wins under the radar and climb to fourth in the standings with a couple of points behind the top three. Tottenham Hotspur, their North London rivals, are also in the chase having a similar status but lacked the spark so far required to compete for the silverware.
Let us take a look at how the four teams shape up in the title race and which team will finish up in which position in the Premier League table.
4. Arsenal
The title battle would heavily rely on the head-to-head contests among the ‘big six’ of the league and Arsenal have already played two of them losing on both occasions. They lost to the Citizens at home followed by a late heartbreak against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, the high-flying Gunners will have home advantage against both Liverpool and Spurs but will have to travel to Old Trafford to contest Manchester United in early December. The reverse fixtures, therefore, would be trickier for Emery’s men at Etihad, Wembley and Anfield but should they grab wins against the Blues and the Red Devils at Emirates, the Gunners would stay in the hunt.
They had some significant summer business but are yet to strengthen their defensive line enough to compete both in the league as well as Europe. The difficulty of Thursday night Europa League football might derail their incredible league run due to fatigue and injury woes unless the management splashes the cash in winter to bring in further reinforcement.
3. Chelsea
Chelsea, a strong title contender this term, have defeated Arsenal at home but a draw at the Bridge against Liverpool might impact them in the longer run. They have been held to a scoreless draw by West Ham United at London Stadium and their way too much dependency on the stupendous Eden Hazard must be a worrying sign for the ex-Napoli gaffer. The early impression of ‘Sarriball’ in Premier League is imposing, but the Blues must deal with a similar challenge as of Arsenal while taking part in Europa League. They are one of the prime contenders to lift this trophy but, at the same time, their Premier League dreams might get shattered in closing months if they progress through to the final round of this second-tier European contest.
Also, the misfiring striking duo of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud must improve their display high up the pitch to ease some pressure off the Belgian sensation. The Blues would be hosting the Manchester giants in later gameweeks which is indeed an advantage over the rival. However, the test will be tougher in reverse outings where they will contest the prime contenders (except Spurs) away from home and grinding out results on those games will require more sharpness from their centre-forwards.
2. Liverpool
The addition of Alisson in goal along with the towering central defensive duo of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez seems to have sorted out the frailty at the back that has troubled the Reds in recent past. But Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino – the lethal front trio of the Merseysiders are yet to redefine their form of the previous term. The midfield has offered high work rate and loads of counter pressing so far but lacked the creativity against both Chelsea and Manchester City who have overshadowed the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum with technicality and innovation.
Yet the Reds have already defeated Spurs on the Road and snatched a point from Stamford Bridge thanks to a late stunner from ex-Blues ‘number 9’ Daniel Sturridge. A scoreless draw at Anfield against the Citizens was indeed a setback, but an away outing versus the Gunners and a home fixture against bitter rivals Manchester United are the only two tricky ties they have to undergo before contesting them again in the return leg encounters. The squad depth has been increased significantly this summer. However, Klopp needs to rotate his options more often, both in England and abroad, to keep pace with Pep’s Manchester City.
1. Manchester City
Although there are others who deserve to claim the silverware, City are still favourites to retain the title in spite of being held by new boys Wolves away at Molineux. They had an encouraging outcome at Anfield against their ‘bogey’ side Liverpool even though they failed to grab all three points following a late spot-kick shamble by Riyad Mahrez. They are yet to play the Red Devils at Etihad along with Spurs and Chelsea on the road which are unlikely to be a stroll in the park for Guardiola’s men. But the return of Kevin De Bruyne from injury will hand them further boost in the middle of the park and guide them to grab results against these fierce competitors similar to their record-breaking 2017-18 Premier League triumph.
