English Premier League: Power Rankings after matchday one
By Orri Benatar
Most of the results we got for the first weekend of the Premier League were as expected. Here are the first power rankings for the 2018-19 season.
These rankings are not purely based on the matchday one performances. They are the biggest factor but I am also taking into account pre-season expectations and player quality overall. Let’s begin!
Last Result: L 0-4 at. Liverpool
Next Week: SAT vs. Bournemouth
Man, when will the Hammers start a season on the right foot? It’s the third straight year they have lost their opener and the second consecutive 4-0 loss. They truly put up no fight to the superior Reds at Anfield on Sunday. The loss puts them bottom of the table and in the power rankings. Mark Noble and Ryan Fredricks both had disappointing outings.
https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/1028690133636263937
Last Result: L 0-3 vs. Chelsea
Next Week: SUN at. Manchester City
The Terriers did not stand a chance against Chelsea on Saturday. The Blues were dominant and Huddersfield just had no fight in them. A home loss is never how you want to start a season and Huddersfield are relegation favorites. Going to the Etihad next week is shaping up to be a very bad road trip. Could be five, six, or seven.
Last Result: L 0-2 at. Bournemouth
Next Week: SAT vs. Newcastle United
Cardiff has also shown they are a relegation favorite with an away loss to Bournemouth. At least the Bluebirds had a positive moment in the game with Neil Etheridge’s penalty save. Striker Bobby Reid had a pretty good game, with three shots and good physical play. Going back to Wales in matchday two is exactly what Neil Warnock and Cardiff need.
https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC/status/1028321101137502208
Last Result: L 0-2 vs. Crystal Palace
Next Week: SAT at. Tottenham
Fulham’s first game after an incredible window was a disappointment. Roy Hodgson came into his former club’s home and got the three points against Slavisa Jokanovic. The front three of Andre Schurrle, Aleksandr Mitrovic, and Ryan Sessegnon got a lot of shots off for the Cottagers but were not clinical in front of goal. The match against Spurs at Wembley will be a true test of Fulham’s quality.
Last Result: L 0-2 at. Watford
Next Week: SUN vs. Manchester United
One of the more 50/50 games of the weekend was pretty one-sided as Brighton were outclassed by Watford at Vicarage Road. Brighton’s midfield was unable to create many chances for Pascal Gross or Glenn Murray. They combined for one shot inside the box all game. The Seagulls could get relegated this season if they don’t get points against other mid-table opposition. Man United will be waiting at the AmEx.
https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1028590925285601281