Manchester United are returning to the championship race after recent favorable results. Arsenal are still top of the table despite doubts over goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya. Tottenham also have a chance to compete for the title if they defeat Man City at the Etihad this weekend, despite having lost 3 consecutive matches.
And then there was Aston Villa, who started the season with a 1-5 defeat to Newcastle but emerged as a surprise challenger, just two points behind Arsenal.
The 1-1 draw between Man City and Liverpool at the Etihad is like a match between two teams that are likely to finish in the Top 2 when the season ends. But now, there are many variables and all teams have their own problems.
Even Man City, who won the treble 3 seasons ago, have also revealed their weaknesses. Who could have predicted that Pep Guardiola's army would lose to Wolves in September and then lose to Arsenal? Meanwhile, Liverpool have only lost once so far and came in a match where The Kop received 2 red cards. However, they also need an equalizer in extra time to regain 1 point against Luton earlier this month.
At the moment, the 7 leading teams in the Premier League are only 7 points apart. All teams have now completed more than 1/3 of the season and none have shown clear superiority. Therefore, this will be an unpredictable season and will be full of surprises.
Man United's only six points behind the top, after their worst start to a season since the 1980s, shows a competitive title race.
Man City's dominance will not benefit the Premier League as the most attractive tournament on the planet. If Pep's side continue to win the title and become the first team in English football history (since the first season in 1888) to win four consecutive titles, the Premier League will start to be compared to the Bundesliga...
Man United are the team with the best form, having won 5 of their last 6 matches in the Premier League. However, it is very difficult to find a match where they are completely overwhelming. Injuries and declining form of key players last season such as Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Casemiro forced Ten Hag to use unwanted players. These include Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
The excellent performance of 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the 3-0 win over Everton was another positive for Ten Hag. And what they need most right now is Marcus Rashford to score regularly.
Newcastle have the ability to beat any opponent, especially at home. Moreover, they have enough financial potential to upgrade the squad in January. This weekend's clash with Man United at St James' Park will be an important sign of both teams' championship prospects.
And Aston Villa cannot be missed. Unai Emery's talent and experience are undeniable, and he has built a sharp attacking style of play after only 12 months at Villa Park. Aston Villa's squad lacks depth and is easily punished for a high defensive line, but if they avoid injuries, they can maintain their position in the Top 4.
For Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou's revolution has been hampered after 3 consecutive defeats due to increasingly serious injuries. James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are both long-term absentees.
Although the away trip to the Etihad seems like the worst place to regain form, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all made it difficult for Man City. Spurs could take a similar approach.
The real threat to Man City could come from Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool need to fix their defensive errors and hope that Alisson Becker's hamstring injury is not too serious.
Meanwhile, Arsenal need one of the two goalkeepers, Raya or Ramsdale, to play consistently. And Mikel Arteta must know exactly who the most suitable goalkeeper is.
Man City will certainly be concerned that there are too many opponents capable of stopping them this season, despite Erling Haaland's goals and Rodri's consistency. Pep's team is still highly regarded, but with many teams rising up, Man City need to maintain their focus.
