Liverpool‘s 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday did more than end the reigning Premier League champions’ unbeaten record this season; Mohamed Salah‘s decisive goal at Anfield also set up the prospect of the most unpredictable and open title race for years.
Only the most optimistic Arsenal supporter would argue against the suggestion that City, champions in four of the last five seasons, remain favourites to win the Premier League again this time, despite Mikel Arteta’s Gunners opening up a four-point lead at the top of the table following Sunday’s 1-0 win at Leeds and City’s loss at Liverpool.
But while the goals of Erling Haaland and the title-winning experience of Pep Guardiola’s squad give City the edge, there is a distinct sense that all of the so-called Big Six, and an emerging Newcastle United, are capable of achieving their respective ambitions this season.
Arsenal could yet surprise us all by emerging as champions. Leicester City in 2015-16 and Blackburn in 1994-95 both held their nerve to capitalise on strong starts and end the campaign by raising the Premier League trophy and Arsenal have now given themselves a cushion and momentum to go all the way and win a first title since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2003-04.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
Meanwhile, third-placed Tottenham Hotspur‘s 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday confirmed their best start to a season in the Premier League era — it is their best start for 59 years — yet Antonio Conte’s side have so far managed to avoid the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with challenging for a title. With Harry Kane‘s goals (nine in 10 games) and Conte’s track record of having won titles in England and Italy (with Chelsea and Juventus), Spurs are contenders and their trip to Manchester United on Wednesday will offer a true gauge of both clubs’ prospects this season.
Just over a month ago, suggesting that Chelsea could enjoy a successful season would have seemed outlandish following the firing of coach Thomas Tuchel after three defeats in seven games. But since appointing Graham Potter as Tuchel’s successor, Chelsea have won five out of six under the former Brighton manager.
If they win their game in hand, Chelsea would move to within a point of Spurs and City and, having spent over £250 million on new players this summer, begin to look like a team that has just enjoyed a period of major reinforcement.
And although Liverpool are the one team in the Big Six that are unquestionably under-performing this season, winning just three of nine Premier League games to sit eighth, last week’s 7-1 Champions League demolition of Rangers and Sunday’s win against City proved that Jurgen Klopp’s team are still a side capable of beating anyone and winning any competition.
Klopp has a midfield to rebuild, there are defensive issues to address and £75m club-record signing Darwin Nunez has endured a difficult start to life in England, scoring just four goals in 11 games, but despite all of Liverpool’s problems, they are still one of the best teams in the world and capable of anything this season.
