With the English Premier League returning from the first international break this weekend, we take a look at how the picture at the top looks after four matchdays.
What do we know so far about how the Premier League title race may play out this season?
Manchester City unsurprisingly sit top of the table, being the only team to win all four of their opening four games. Last season’s treble winner have shown their usual dominance with them seeing an average of 68% of the ball, helping them towards being the league’s best defence so far, conceding just twice.
Despite losing their Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne to injury in their opening 3-0 win against Burnley, City have been firing in the final third scoring 11 goals. This includes five in their most recent victory over Fulham, which saw Erling Haaland score a hat-trick and take him to six for the season.
For these reasons, among others, it would be hard to not see Manchester City retaining their title and becoming the first team in Premier League history to win the league four years in a row. However, other teams have sent their message to the league leaders that they are up for the challenge this season.
Under the guide of new boss Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur have flown out of the blocks with three wins and one draw, which came on the opening day against a solid Brentford side. Despite Harry Kane leaving for Bayern Munich in the summer, Spurs have impressed in the attacking areas. They scored 11 goals in their opening games – five against Burnley and two in their win over Manchester United.
Liverpool have also got off to a good start, matching Tottenham on 10 points after four games. Their opening games have seen them draw to Chelsea on the first matchday, and get wins over both Aston Villa and Newcastle. A commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa followed a hard fought win against Newcastle, with Darwin Nunez scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to claim a 2-1 victory. Despite not being the most convincing of victories or performances, these are ones that any side must earn to win a league title.
In a similar manner, last season’s runners-up Arsenal have been sending a message of their own to the reigning champions. After a dominant win against Nottingham Forest, victory over Crystal Palace and a draw with Fulham, their most recent game against Manchester United screamed of title credentials where late drama saw them almost lose to an eventual offside goal, to winning 3-1 thanks to Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice. Regardless of these performances Arsenal remain unbeaten and Manchester City are sure to be checking over their shoulders on the Gunners’ results.
Elsewhere, Manchester United and Chelsea have struggled to find any real form with them already finding themselves six and eight points behind the league leaders respectively. While Newcastle have also struggled with just one win and three losses, although these have come against Manchester City, Liverpool and high-flyers Brighton.
Every week will see twists and turns in the title race. What twists will there be this weekend? Bet on all the key EPL action at Bet9ja!
