{"id":570636,"date":"2020-10-28T04:05:22","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T08:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=570636"},"modified":"2020-10-28T04:05:22","modified_gmt":"2020-10-28T08:05:22","slug":"top-of-the-premier-league-table-are-not-the-usual-suspects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/10\/28\/top-of-the-premier-league-table-are-not-the-usual-suspects\/","title":{"rendered":"Top of the Premier League Table Are Not The Usual Suspects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">The year 2020 has been anything but normal, so it should be no surprise that the top of the Premier League table is not filled with the usual suspects. It is only six matches into the 38 game slate, so there is still plenty of time for things to change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">However, looking at some of the clubs currently atop the Premier League table could cause one to do a double-take. With so few matches played, the standings are tight, with only four points separating fourth from fourteenth. There are a few surprises up and down the table in the early going.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><strong>Top of Premier League Table Led By Unfamiliar Names<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Differing Season<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Defending champions <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/liverpool\/\" target=\"_self\">Liverpool<\/a> are currently in second place on goal difference. While they\u2019ve played well, they have not looked nearly as dominant as they did while cruising to the title a season ago. They are also reeling from multiple injuries in their backline.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/tottenham\/\" target=\"_self\">Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> have squandered late leads in two home matches that ended in draws, as they currently sit fifth. Spurs are scoring at a rampant pace, but have issues in defence. The other clubs in the big six are all struggling to find their footing in the early season. Those struggles have left the door open for some less likely clubs to be sitting in the upper levels of the Premier League table. Get to know those squads, how they got off to a hot start, and how sustainable their success might be.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Sitting at the Summit<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/everton\/\" target=\"_self\">Everton<\/a> made some big moves in the summer transfer window. Through the season\u2019s first two months, those moves are paying off. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/715bf047\/James-Rodriguez?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Rodriguez<\/a> was brought in to be a creative force, and he has delivered so far. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/02b29014\/Abdoulaye-Doucoure?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Abdoulaye Doucoure<\/a> and Allan were added in the midfield to as well. The new signings have all played their part in Everton\u2019s fast start.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">The biggest factor may be the continuing improvement of striker <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/59e6e5bf\/Dominic-Calvert-Lewin?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dominic Calvert-Lewin<\/a> in front of goal. The 23-year-old has seven goals in the first six matches. After winning the first four contests, the Toffees have just one point over the last two, so they need to rebound at the weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">From Relegation to Revival in the Premier League Table<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">It took until the final day of the restart for <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/aston-villa-club-news-analysis-fixtures\/\" target=\"_self\">Aston Villa<\/a> to avoid relegation this past summer. Their position just a point behind the leaders, with a game in hand, is easily the most surprising when looking at the Premier League table. Villa thrashed Liverpool 7-2 a few weeks ago, sending the message that they can be a force when they hit top form.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b0b4fd3e\/Jack-Grealish?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Grealish<\/a> has been excellent thus far, but unlike last season he doesn\u2019t have to carry the load alone. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/3a24769f\/Ross-Barkley?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ross Barkley<\/a>\u2019s arrival has added quality and confidence to the midfield. He and Grealish are forming a dangerous connection. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=7956236f,52061089&amp;search=Emiliano+Mart\u00ednez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emiliano Martinez<\/a> has looked solid so far in goal, as the newly signed keeper has three clean sheets in five appearances.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Try and Try Again<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2018\/05\/21\/leicester-city-claude-puels-club-at-a-crossroads\/\" target=\"_self\">Leicester City<\/a> were cruising to a top-four finish for most of last season. They struggled during the restart and were passed by both <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/chelsea\/\" target=\"_self\">Chelsea<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/manchester-united\/\" target=\"_self\">Manchester United<\/a>. Now they have taken aim at the same goal, and are off to a quality start. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/45963054\/Jamie-Vardy?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamie Vardy<\/a> is once again the main man in attack, with six goals thus far. No other player has scored more than once.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Leicester need the likes of <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/3ea50f67\/Harvey-Barnes?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harvey Barnes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/ee38d9c5\/James-Maddison?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Maddison<\/a> to chip in so the 33-year-old striker isn\u2019t carrying the scoring burden on his own. How this team manages the stress of Europa League football on Thursday while trying to challenge at the top of the Premier League table all season will be key to their top-four chances.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Welcome Back<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">While Aston Villa\u2019s hot start may be the most surprising storyline, the return of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/leeds-united\/\" target=\"_self\">Leeds United<\/a> is by far the best. Their promotion ended a 16-year absence from the top flight of English football, and they have returned with flair. Leeds made a statement of intent during a thrilling but disappointing 4-3 loss to the defending champions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">This club did not return to the Premier League just to play it safe. Their aggressive and attacking style has been truly entertaining. Its been refreshing to see a promoted club not afraid to challenge their opponents. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/93feac6e\/Patrick-Bamford?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Bamford<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/10\/27\/patrick-bamford-leads-front-line-in-premier-league-team-of-the-week-gameweek-six\/\" target=\"_self\">has been excellent, <\/a>leading the line with six goals in six appearances. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/282679b4\/Mateusz-Klich?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mateusz Klich<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/aa849a12\/Jack-Harrison?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Harrison<\/a> have also been in good form in the midfield, sparking this team\u2019s free-flowing style. Defensively they have some issues, but they have also shown some improvement conceding only twice in the last four matches.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">Premier League Table &#8211; Who&#8217;s in the Early Hunt<\/h3>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/wolves-club-analysis-news-fixtures\/\" target=\"_self\">Wolverhampton Wanderers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/crystal-palace\/\" target=\"_self\">Crystal Palace<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/clubs\/southampton\/\" target=\"_self\">Southampton<\/a> are all tied with Leeds at 10 points, and make up the rest of the top half. Those three are all led by their respective talisman <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b561db50\/Raul-Jimenez?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Raul Jimenez<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b2bc3b1f\/Wilfried-Zaha?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wilfried Zaha<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/07802f7f\/Danny-Ings?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Danny Ings<\/a>. The goals those three provide will determine how high up the Premier League table their clubs can remain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"yiv6105240087MsoNormal\">The standings are tight, and it is still very early in the campaign. However, it is a refreshing sight to see a variety of clubs playing well to start the season. This league continues to get deeper and more competitive. There are no weeks off in the top flight this season, and as we\u2019ve seen across the globe, anything can happen in this wild year of 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"VDZfbGCCR4x5EkUeo8XUHw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.co.uk\/detail\/1282150543\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'VDZfbGCCR4x5EkUeo8XUHw',sig:'NasOq6Uc_xS0Zn3sZ5ZGueMW3Ah9mI5OiVVRKX019gE=',w:'594px',h:'400px',items:'1282150543',caption: true ,tld:'co.uk',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The year 2020 has been anything but normal, so it should be no surprise that the top of the Premier League table is not filled with the usual suspects. It is only six matches into the 38 game slate, so there is still plenty of time for things to change. However, looking at some of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":394,"featured_media":570660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,3838,13,2,6443,15,16,24],"tags":[177,45,240,40,96,136],"class_list":["post-570636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-premier-league","category-aston-villa","category-everton","category-featured","category-leeds-united","category-leicester-city","category-liverpool","category-tottenham","tag-aston-villa","tag-everton","tag-leeds-united","tag-premier-league","tag-tottenham-hotspur","tag-world-football"],"modified_by":"Dale Ventham, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/570636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/394"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=570636"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/570636\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/570660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=570636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=570636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=570636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}