After just four games of the new Premier League season, most people probably are not surprised to see how the table looks.
Reigning champions Liverpool sit top of the pile with maximum points, leading Arsenal by three points who are level with rivals Tottenham. Also on nine points and, perhaps a surprise is Bournemouth, while Chelsea make up the top five on eight.
Perhaps surprisingly to many, Aston Villa find themselves in the relegation zone on just two points, though this will likely change and, perennial strugglers of the last few seasons Everton, are sitting pretty in sixth on seven points, seemingly stabilised under the influence of David Moyes – level with newcomers Sunderland who have also had an impressive start.
How Could The Season Unfold?
There is obviously still a long way to go and, it is unlikely that Liverpool will maintain their 100 percent record – they struggled to win at Burnley and only a long-range strike won it for them at home to an understrength Arsenal.
One club that could well surprise is Tottenham, after some very smart recruitment. It’s good to see that Thomas Frank has been given a chance at a bigger club and he has shown so far that it was a smart appointment. They look solid at the back and slick in attack, aided by the signings of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, while getting striker Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG could turn out to be a masterstroke.
Newcastle United look like an intriguing prospect. Obviously the Alexander Isak saga didn’t help, but the players do seem relaxed about it all. Eddie Howe will have found ways to keep them focused, such as applying certain routines and rituals throughout, making sure they got a good night’s sleep in comfort such as on specialists like divan beds to stay focused.
Isak’s antics don’t appear to have affected them. Sitting in mid-table on 10 points is respectable and new signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa will add important goals.
Can The Big Spenders Deliver?
While Liverpool were the main talking point of the summer, spending over £400 million on new players, breaking the British transfer record twice, there is one club that possibly went slightly under the radar.
Arsenal’s impressive recruitment overhaul could be exactly what has been needed for Mikel Arteta. New Sporting Director, Andrea Berta arrived with a sterling reputation for signing quality players and this is exactly what he has done. However, the total spending for the level of talent the club brought in is where the genius appears to lie.
They spent nearly £260 million on some of the best players in their position in the sport, including sought-after striker Viktor Gyokeres, holding midfield specialist; Martin Zubimendi, maverick attacker; Eberechi Eze, a more than capable replace for Bukayo Saka in Noni Madueke and a number of squad players that make them a lot stronger and more competitive.
Chelsea also offer plenty of intrigue having spent a touch more than the Gunners (£280 million approx), to bring in top striker Joao Pedro, talented winger Jamie Gittens, defensive prodigy Jorrel Hato and attacker Liam Delap among a couple of others.
Meanwhile a lot of pressure will be on Manchester United (who have failed to impress so far and sit on four points), after spending around £230 million to bring in Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, plus goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
For sure, the rest of the season will be interesting, especially based on what we have seen so far.