ONLY two months into the new Premier League season and England’s Champions League representatives Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United already occupy the top four places of the embryonic table.
Chelsea lead by a point at the top after going into the international break with a 3-1 win over Southampton. Liverpool and Manchester City, meanwhile, shared the glory at Anfield in an enthralling 2-2 draw. United were held by Everton.
The build-up before the season was one of immense excitement and anticipation. Not just for the players, of course, but for the return of fans into stadia adding their passion, electricity, much-missed noise and atmosphere.
Title holders Manchester City failed to lure Harry Kane to the Etihad and went into their opener with Tottenham with no recognised number nine. Liverpool needed to make a statement after their poor attempt of retaining their league success in 2020. Chelsea were bolstered up front by the re-signing of Romelu Lukaku. A statement to the Premier League after their Champions League victory. Manchester United took the headlines though, bringing in Rafael Varane, Jadon Sancho and re-signing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The season thus far has not disappointed. Arguably this has been the most exciting start to a Premier League season since it’s reform in 1992. The quality at the top of the division right now is at an absolute premium, featuring some of the best teams in Europe.
With the previously mentioned four starting fast does it follow we can anticipate most open and exciting title race in years?
Everyone loves the title race, the drama exemplified by the season-climax in 2012 as Sergio Aguero’s winner against QPR won the title for Manchester City and denied local rivals United.
There have been seasons gone by where a team has won the league long before the final games, crowning off a campaign in undramatic circumstances. That’s all well and good, but people crave final-day carnage.
Could this season be the year where we see four teams charging towards the title, all within touching distance of each other going into the final few fixtures?
United have not won a league title since 2013. The signing of Ronaldo has lifted spirits and despite a late defeat to Aston Villa and dropped points to Everton they look dangerous, demolishing Leeds and Newcastle.
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have looked menacing but defeat to a magnificent City in September could prove to be a blow to their coincidence above the loss of three home points.
Liverpool have started unbeaten and look back to their very best. They will feel disappointed not to have beaten Brentford but after a frustrating draw with Chelsea they have looked a class above in their other ventures.
City suffered opening day defeat by Tottenham but since then have reacted like Champions. Just a goalless draw with Southampton and an epic draw with Liverpool the only other dropped points in a very impressive start.
This season’s Premier League has all the ingredients to go down in history as one of the great campaigns and, so far, it has lived up to the billing.
With fans back, star players on show and world class managers this is the best time to be engrossed, engaged and enthralled by the greatest league in the world and what is has to offer.
