After ten games, the Premier League title race and table are slowly starting to take shape. The likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland and Bournemouth are struggling, West Ham and Leicester are proving to be early dark horses and Watford are showing signs of survival in their first season back in the Premier League. Top four regulars Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have already impressed pundits with their respective results and brands of football but which team is looking the strongest after ten games and could be the team to beat?
Manchester City – Pos 1st P10 W7 D1 L2 Pts 22
Started strong with five wins out of five games with many fans and pundits suggesting City could walk to their third Premier League title. Sergio Aguero continues to be the Premier League’s best striker with six goals this season (including five against Newcastle), Raheem Sterling is blossoming on the left wing and Kevin De Bruyne has settled in extremely well in such a short space of time. An early win over struggling Chelsea showed their swagger was back after a disappointing campaign last season, with heavy wins over Newcastle and Bournemouth and a gritty win over Everton show Manchester City could be the team to beat this season. Bizarre back to back defeats against West Ham and Tottenham and a disappointing draw with fellow title rivals Manchester United however show that City aren’t the powerhouses they seem to be, but there’s plenty to suggest Manchester City will be an obvious title winner.
Arsenal – Pos 2nd P10 W7 D1 L2 Pts 22
A team that often is cited as title challengers but never tipped to win the title due to their performances against rivals, dips in form and injuries to key first team players. Despite the doubts of Arsenal’s title chances, they have remained relatively solid throughout the season even after shock losses to West Ham and Chelsea, with Mesut Özil, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech all standing out for the Gunners. An awe inspiring win over Manchester United helps strengthen their title bid and slowly settles doubt among football pundits and if Arsenal can keep key players fit, maybe sign another player in January and continue to grind out key wins, then they are certain to challenge for the title this season.
Manchester United – Pos 4th P10 W6 D2 L2 Pts 20
Given Chelsea’s self imploding start, Manchester United can slot themselves firmly in the title race and will seek to build on a strong start that has seen wins over Liverpool, Southampton and Tottenham. While United have had a decent start to the season, questions can be if an ageing Wayne Rooney and a raw (but talented) Anthony Martial can regularly provide goals or if Louis Van Gaal’s tactics can break down troublesome teams. Furthermore, a crushing 3-0 loss against Arsenal and draw against Manchester City in the Manchester derby not only seem like missed opportunities to not only get one over their title rivals but also failure to strengthen their bid for that next elusive title. Crumbs of comfort can be found with possessing the league’s best defensive record, Anthony Martial has shown the promise various European coaches see and irregular form of Chelsea could play into United’s hands come 2016.
Chelsea – Pos 15th P10 W3 D2 L5 Pts 11
Where to start with the current Premier League champions? Under performing players? Jose Mourinho’s rants and fines? Team unable to regain form? It’s only October and Chelsea don’t look like a team that will regain their league title or can even scramble together a challenge. While there have been glimpses of their quality, it’s only been rarely seen in games against West Brom, Aston Villa and Arsenal. Mourinho’s attention seeking and libellous comments are starting to seriously damage Chelsea’s season and with Eva Cainero seeking damages against Chelsea, there’s no signs to suggest the soap opera at Stamford Bridge will end.
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