Premier League Handicap: How teams look with the window closed and the first results in

The transfer window is closed, and all Premier League clubs now know the squads that must get them through the first 20 rounds of the season.

For some it was a frantic end to their summer business, and Chelsea for one continued to sign players; for others, such as Arsenal, incoming transfers were wrapped up early in the summer.

Signings and results can change perceptions of course, so fans who were fearing the worst just a month ago might now be relishing the return after the international break. For that, just ask supporters of Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest. And for others (look away, Manchester United supporters), negativity is starting to creep in.

Before a ball was kicked, we looked at the prospects of each club. How was their squad looking? Where did they need to strengthen? What were the expectations for the campaign?

A month on, we assess every club, taking into account any final transfers and the results of the first four weekends.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

How the Handicap works

Is it a prediction article? Not quite. This is about how teams look today compared to a month ago. Importantly, we’re not saying this is how the league table will finish — but rather how a team’s prospects may have changed since Aug. 7, when the original article was published.

For instance, do Wolves now have a goal scorer? And do Forest have a first-choice goalkeeper?