Another weekend of Premier League action has been and gone in a flash. It was certainly interesting, as we learnt that the title race might be closer than expected. That, and how passionate German managers are. Here are five things we learnt from the weekend.
What We Learnt
A Closer Title Race Than Expected
At the beginning of the season, Manchester City were favourites to win the league. While they still are, it may be closer than anticipated. Liverpool are one point ahead and are yet to lose a game this season. A phenomenal record, but it shows how competitive the top of the Premier League is. City have arguably improved on last season’s sensational form, which shows how impressive Liverpool have been. The turning point, however, may come on January 3rd when Liverpool travel to the Etihad. We will then see who is really equipped to the lift the Premier League title.
All the talk of who will win the title is aimed at Liverpool and Manchester City but we cannot rule out either Tottenham or Chelsea. Just six and eight points behind retrospectively, it has been done from this margin before. Manchester City were eight points behind Manchester United with six games left in the 2011/12 season. Then Manchester City miraculously won the league. With half the season left, Tottenham and Chelsea cannot be ruled out.
Europa League For Wolves?
After a run of six games without a win, Wolves have now won their last three games. That makes it seven wins this season and puts them a point behind Manchester United in 7th place. Despite the money spent, you cannot deny that Nuno Espirito Santo has done a fantastic job at Wolves. A top-half finish in their first year back in the Premier League would have been a fantastic achievement but the Europa League is not out of the question. Sign the right players in January and Wolves will be in with a shout of Europe.
Spending Millions Doesn’t Guarantee Success
What a dismal first half of the season it has been at Craven Cottage. After spending over £100 million in the summer, Fulham are bottom of the Premier League. A change in manager has not even brought a change of fortune as of yet. Claudio Ranieri has just the one win from four games as Fulham boss. It just shows that spending millions doesn’t guarantee success. They dismantled their squad that got them promoted and ruined the team spirit in the process. Sometimes, it is team spirit that keeps you up in the Premier League.
Ralph Hassenhuttl is a Nutter
One noticeable thing to come out of Southampton’s win over Arsenal was how passionate Ralph Hassenhuttl was. He perhaps ‘over celebrated’ but it was a refreshing sight. He even had to refrain himself on another occasion. If it continues, he will become a quick fan favourite at St Mary’s.
Who knows what is in store for the next matchday?
Main Photo Embed from Getty Images
