EPL Quarter Report: What We Know So Far

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The Premier League is more then 10 games in, meaning the race is starting to take shape. Despite a few small surprises, (cough Liverpool cough) everything is pretty much shaping up the way we could have expected. The big four are winning, the minnows are drowning, and Hull City faithful are calling for Phil Brown’s head. Although the league could be turned upside down by round 38, let’s take a look at what we might know thus far. I’ve sorted the teams into different groups, or tiers if you may, for easier examination.

The Real Deal:

Chelsea – Currently leading the league, the Blues are in great shape. It seems Carlo Ancelloti is keeping everyone happy at Stamford Bridge, reminiscent of the Jose Mourinho days. Drogba (9 goals in 11 matches) is playing fantastic, and it’s nice to see Deco working his way back into the squad. Can it last? Possibly, but with so many stars in the locker room, a conflict, or break down seems somewhat inevitable.

Arsenal – How much of a difference can one acquisition make? Writing ‘Thomas Vermaelen’ on this exam question would be fully acceptable, as it translates into, ‘a shocking amount’. The gunners looked weak, and frail defensively before the arrival Vermaelen. Now, not only are they scoring and playing the beautiful game, but they are gutting out matches, out-working, and out-muscling teams. The 3-0 thumping of London rivals Tottenham was a huge push toward further challenging for the title. Arsenal are back, and they are for real.

Manchester United - Tough to say too much about United right now. If Dimitar Berbatov ever broke a sweat, United might be well out in front of the pack. Rooney has been an absolute terror to opposing teams, but I can’t seem to figure out where the other goals are going to come from when Rooney cools down. Despite this, if there is one thing I’ve learned from following the EPL, it’s don’t ever bet against Sir Alex, the man’s a genius.

Manchester City – Money talks. The huge money summer moves have paid off for City. Despite not having their Brazilian boy Robinho for what seems like since the Clinton administration, the club has been winning, and winning big. The highlight of the season is a stunning 4-2 victory over Arsenal, capped by a controversial Adebayor celebration toward his old club and its supporters. Currently 4^th in the table with agame in hand, City has made a legitimate claim as a title contender.

Possible Party Crashers:

Liverpool – The Reds just can’t seem to figure out who they are. Beat Manchester United in an epic clash; lose to Fulham at Craven Cottage, who knows what they’ll do next. I don’t have to tell any ‘pool fans this, but they need Gerrard and Torres back to full fitness, and fast. Rafa Benitez looks a little more nervous with each loss. And for good reason, the manager will likely be on his way out if the ship isn’t righted, but if it is, the Reds are still contenders.

Aston Villa – Quietly, the Villain’s are looking pretty darn good. The win over Chelsea three weeks ago was the ‘last year was not a fluke, we are actually a good team’ game. True, their lack of goals, only 13 in 11 fixtures, is troubling, but they are still playing great soccer. I admit I am a huge Ashley Young fan, the kid is just awesome. And something about losing Gareth Barry to City has me thinking they are playing angry, and aggressive. Don’t be surprised if they snatch a top 4 finish.

Fulham – …Wait? Really? Fulham? 11^th in the table currently and a loss to Wolves, that Fulham? It could sound crazy, but the Cottagers are good. Bobby Zamora is playing like some version of Adriano pre-meltdown, and Clint Dempsey is scoring, creating, and looking like the best American soccer player anywhere in the world. An exciting draw with Man City and the unexpected win over Liverpool are signs that the club is high in talent and confidence. Top 6 finish, quote me on it.

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