Premier League: Weighing in on the title favorites at international break
Looking at the Premier League title contenders entering the season, which teams are exceeding expectations, and who has disappointed to date?
As many as seven teams were tipped as potential Premier League winners at the start of the season. Champions Leicester were amongst the list, but they have disappointed. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea were among the contenders despite bringing in new managers.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool were all tipped to compete. After 11 games at the international break, which teams are on course to win the title?
1. Liverpool (Exceeding expectations)
There may not be a more exciting team to watch than Liverpool. They score bags of goals, and if they can prevent so many going in their own net, they will be the clear favorites to go all the way.
Liverpool fans would probably be happy to be in fifth or sixth spot just a few points off the top of the table, so to be leading the way after 11 games is the dream start. The Reds haven’t lost since August 20, and they are presented with a number of winnable games as we head towards the Christmas period.
2. Chelsea (Exceeding expectations)
For Chelsea, returning to the top-four had to be the priority in Antonio Conte’s first season. After a rocky start, the Blues have caught fire with five straight wins over tough opponents. They’ve downed champions Leicester, Manchester United and in-form Everton during that time.
Perhaps more impressive is their goal difference over that span. Chelsea have scored 16 goals in their past five without conceding a single goal.
3. Manchester City (On course)
A red-hot start for Manchester City was cooled, but they remain one of the best teams in the league. Despite winning only one of their past five Premier League games, Pep Guardiola has made vast improvements to the way City plays, and they remain on course for a deep title push.
Putting together a run of victories is key and could help them pull away as frontrunners.
4. Arsenal (On course)
It’s been a typical start for Arsenal. The Gunners are on an impressive run but did blow an opportunity to go top of the table against Spurs. They will need to be more consistent in the big games at home to have a chance of winning the title, but they are nicely positioned with a squad playing well.
Expect Arsenal to be right up there come April.
5. Tottenham (On course)
Spurs are the only remaining undefeated team in the league, but a lack of goals has hurt their ability to win close games. Their back four is preventing them from losing games, but they will need to start winning more consistently to match last year’s great form.
Still, they have added points in every game they’ve played, so it could be much worse for Mauricio Pochettino’s team. They sit only three points outside of the top-four, five adrift of leaders Liverpool. Getting Harry Kane back is huge for Spurs.
6. Manchester United (Below expectations)
Man United threw a ton of money around over the summer, but are already eight points off the pace. A poor start by their standards has left far more questions than answers. There’s plenty of time for Jose Mourinho to right the ship, but United need fast changes in order to compete for the title, or even a place in the Champions League next season.
14. Leicester (Below expectations)
Leicester were always going to drop off from their incredible title run last year, but they have disappointed more than many expected. Despite taking 10 points from their four Champions League games (without conceding a goal), the Foxes have been inconsistent in the league.
Their five defeats is already two more than they lost all of last year. With just 12 points, Leicester are only two clear of the relegation places. The Championship isn’t a realistic concern for the Foxes, but any hopes of defending their crown are surely over.