I've always believed the league really starts to take shape from 10 games onwards. At the moment the table's still in a state where a win or loss can make a difference of 4 or 5 positions in the league. At these early stages, when you've started well that's all it is. Not to take anything away from it, it's still a great achievement to start the season fast but a bit of perspective helps. When you look at your form you have to ask yourselves whether the teams you were expected to rival with at the start of the season could achieve similar. With Liverpool, you have to say "yes", Everton just a win away from taking 17 points from their last 8 games already. City can obviously match Chelsea's form as they're only a point behind. For Tottenham too, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we can go on a run like Arsenal's. The key is the longer term, showing that it isn't just a patch of great form which can be easily matched by your league rivals but that it's an average patch of form for your side which is sustainable over another 30 games. If anyone fancies guessing that the opening 8 games are going to be representative of their season then they're daft. I doubt Hull fans are thinking they're above a relegation battle as they're midtable at this stage. No one won or achieved anything in less than a quarter of a season but by the way it's started I think it will be between City and Chelsea, as most predicted at the start of the season.
In the last 10 seasons how many times has the top 4 after 8 games been the top 4 at the end? I think that answers your question as to how daft it is.
I'd go along with most of that. Though I think nowadays because there's an oligopoly at the top and a huge gulf in quality between the top 7 + Swansea/Saints and the rest it will take longer for the table to take shape. It's now a Premier League of lots of good teams rather than a Premier League of few great ones scattered with lots of good ones. If the last three seasons are anything to go by then we will be looking at 14-15 games before the table starts to fully take shape. Chelsea v Man City - 27 Oct Arsenal v Liverpool - 2 Nov Man Utd v Arsenal - 10 Nov These fixtures will be key in terms of momentum and shaping of the top part of the table. Whoever wins out of Chelsea and City this Sunday will be favourite to take the title. If Arsenal go to Old Trafford and win it would all but rule out a title challenge for them. The media will say otherwise but as much as it's possible to chase down one or two teams, it's near impossible to chase down three or four, and history more or less proves that at that stage of the season.
Only checked the last 5 seasons but 2 had the same top 4, including one season where 4th(United) went on to win it. Then again, I'm not sure whether you're agreeing or disagreeing with me The point I was making wasn't intended to be top 4 oriented, more that those that start the season well above expectations don't often find themselves there come the end of the season. They tend to either do really well and only drop off a couple of places by the end of the season, or they return to exactly where you'd expect at the start of the season.
It'll take a bit more shape once some more of the key games have been played. We've been away from home to 3 of last seasons top 7 including the champions. Liverpool have only really played United at home, City only had United at home and Arsenal have only really played Spurs at home in terms of 'top' fixtures. Arsenal traditionally struggle against the top sides so let's see where they are having played liverpool and united in the space of a week for instance. Still City favourites for me as I think they'll gather the most points in the head to heads between the top 5-6.
In terms of quality, all teams left a lot to be desired in the opening few games. But I think the league is finally coming to life and Arsenal for sure have been the standout side with their very good play, fantastic goals and marquee signing. I prefer a league where several teams are challenging for the title, Champions League spots, Europa League places and survival. I would also include Everton as one of the teams currently going for top four as a surprise package. Now that they have replaced the other guy with a good and trophy winning manager and are spear-headed by our very own Lukaku amongst other good players in their side, they have a chance.
I'm amazed people are dismissing you so readily. You've had an incredible 2013 beating a host of top teams along the way, and not smash and grab results either, fully merited wins. Outside the top 4 you are one of few sides that are good to watch and also have quality. Pochettino is hugely underrated as well.
It's a lot more interesting, that's for sure, but don't think any of the teams mentioned would beat their counterparts of 3 years ago.
Its just far too early to say anything. Last season Chelsea kicked butt in the opening 10 games like Arsenal have this season but finished 3rd. In 2005 I seem to remember after 10 games or so we were a point or two behind Arsenal and everyone was gushing about the invincibles retaining their title and we ended up smashing it. United for me, at 8 points behind after only 8 games and with Smeagol in charge, top 4 is best they can hope for. I have always said that as long as Slur Alex is in charge you cannot write them off, but he isnt.....so I think it highly unlikely they will challenge for the title. City, Chelsea and maybe Arsenal if they can keep this up, to challenge, with one of Spurs, Liverpool, Man Utd or Everton to sneak 4th spot.
I still believe if we had kept RDM we would have challenged... Not won.. the title last year; and lifted a couple of trophies, carling and world championship say. Rafa took us from 4 points behind United to 20 in three months, cost us the Carling, world championship and nearly got us eliminated at Brentford in the cup. The team's mental strength got us to third in the end
If United is in the mix at the end of January i.e within 3-6 points of the leaders. they will have a good chance of winning it, even with Moyes. Mark my words... Of course that's a very big IF as they could be well out of it or > 12 points off the lead by then...
sm1thy, nice to see you out of hiding: hopefully you will get lucky, chelsea will lose, and you can stay out of your cave for a few days. Even with Moyes. I thought Mediocre Moyes was/is first choice? Who's crying now?? What a plastic you are, giving up on your team and Sir David in October... it is amazing how much one 2-1 home defeat effects some people's belief in their club and manager
