At the start of the season, a four-horse race between last season’s top four was predicted. There were some question marks over the fourth horse, but a certain Cristiano Ronaldo’s addition meant they couldn’t be left out of a title conversation. But very soon, their frailties were exposed and a third of the season in, they are watching from the outside. But inside the title race are the three of the best in the league.
Almost every season, a thrilling title race is predicted. Only rarely does that ever come to fruition. But this season, those predictions seem to be correct. Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea are a cut above the rest and in a league of their own. They are at least seven points clear of fourth-placed West Ham and already look to have reserved the top three spots in the table.
Just a few weeks ago, West Ham were sitting pretty in third, just three points behind the leaders. But in a trice, the scene has changed. They are now seven behind the top three. To see how good the three are, just look at the goal difference figures. Each of Chelsea, City and Liverpool have a goal difference above +20, no other team has even +10. In fact, only fourth placed West Ham have a positive goal difference apart from the top three.
Scintillating, Breathtaking and Irresistible – Liverpool have found another gear going forward
Liverpool this season are in a goal-scoring form like never before. Since losing to West Ham before the international break, the Reds have scored 12 and conceded one in three games. Talk about a perfect response. Three of the top six goal scorers in Premier League this season are Liverpool players. Even if they don’t look as defensively solid as their contemporaries, their cohesive attacking unit can strike fear in any team in Europe. They dismantled a sorry-looking Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park, with the usual suspects Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota on the scoresheet. Jurgen Klopp’s men are averaging more than three goals a game.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City continue throwing up surprises
Pep Guardiola is once again working wonders with Man City. Without a recognized striker and Kevin De Bruyne, City are still threatening opposition’s goal with regularity. They have also carried on from their solidity at the back from last season. Yesterday they beat an Aston Villa side who were bouncing after back-to-back wins under Steven Gerrard. They have so much quality in the team, so many match-winners, on a given day you don’t know who will play and who will score. They have players sitting on the bench who would walk in the starting lineups of any team. That’s how good their squad depth is.
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea go from strength-to-strength
Chelsea are currently sitting at the top, although their advantage is a slender one. Injuries to key players throughout the season have attempted to hinder Thomas Tuchel’s progress. But his ability to get the best out of players is helping Chelsea cope with the crisis. Against Watford, their medical team had a busy day, not just rushing on the field but into the stands as well. A fan suffered a cardiac arrest due to which play was stopped. The Blues weren’t at their sparkling best amidst the injury crisis and a packed schedule. But they got the win and that’s what matters. In a title run, it’s not all about handsome scorelines, you have to grind results too. Chelsea did that against Watford.
14 games are enough to make conclusions though it is still very early. But from the evidence so far, these three teams have shown their mettle. Each one of them have different styles, philosophies and personnel, but one thing is common – the tenacity. If all of them are able to sustain this kind of form, we can enjoy a three-way title race like no other.