After seven matchdays, the 2021-22 Premier League season looks set to be one of this year's most exciting titles races. Only two points separate Chelsea and sixth-placed Brighton. The top four positions are already held by Champions League participants Chelsea Liverpool Manchester City and Manchester United.
Since their return to Chelsea and United, Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo have been a success with big goals. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah (since his injury recovery) and Kevin De Bruyne continue to be the driving force behind Liverpool and City's inspirational performances. While Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to be consistent in the first weeks of the season respectively, North London rivals are on an upwards trajectory heading into the international break.
What have we learned so far from the first season? Are the Big Six headed for success?
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1. CHELSEA
P7, D1, L1, GD+12
Points 16
Story so far: Thomas Tuchel's team is now one point ahead of Liverpool at top of the table, having won five of seven league games and drawing one. Chelsea has dropped just one point against Liverpool and Manchester City, drawing at Anfield and losing at Stamford Bridge against the Champions League winners -- but that has not stopped them from claiming the top spot.
What has gone well? What's the big problem for Chelsea last season? Their lack of a reliable goal scorer. Jorginho topped their Premier League scoring charts with seven goals. Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan's summer signing, was made to address that problem. Although the former Manchester United forward has gone six games without scoring in any competitions, he has scored three goals in six Premier League matches and is showing signs that his goal-scoring potential could reach 20 league goals.
Lukaku has been a key player in Chelsea's goal scoring front line and already has made a significant impact. However, he has had a tendency to have hot and cold streaks throughout his career. Chelsea will need him consistent to keep their outstanding start.
What went wrong? Chelsea's failure to beat Liverpool or City could be a troubling sign. Even though Tuchel's team won at Anfield, despite having 10 men in the second half after the sending-off right-back Reece James was sent off, they still managed to leave with one point. Then came the 1-0 loss at home to City last month.
Chelsea must win the title by winning points against City Liverpool Manchester United. They will have to score maximum points against all other teams if they fail. They have achieved that so far, but it is hard to imagine Tuchel's players maintaining that record throughout the season.
They are heading in the right direction. Although their early-season form looks promising, Chelsea still seems far from being able match City or Liverpool in terms depth and consistency over the course of a long season. While both clubs are capable of overcoming the loss of one or more key players, Chelsea would be in serious trouble if Lukaku or Antonio Rudiger were to be out for extended periods.
Chelsea must win if they want to stay ahead of City or Liverpool.
play 1:22 Nicol - Liverpool were fortunate to earn a point vs. Man City Steve Nicol claims Man City outplayed Liverpool in the title contests. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
2. LIVERPOOL
P7, D3, W4, L3, GD +11
Points 15
Story so far: Jurgen Klipp's team is the only Premier League unbeaten side after seven games. They have struggled to start with games against Chelsea and City. Salah, the forward, is again the key man. He sits joint-top of West Ham's Michail Anthony's scoring charts with six goals. Klopp will be frustrated by three draws in seven games, two against Chelsea and City. However, Liverpool are doing well in second.
What has gone well? Salah's future uncertainty, as the 29-year old has yet to agree an extension of his contract, which expires in June 2023, could have been a distraction, but his performance so far has dispelled these concerns. Virgil van Dijk has returned to action smoothly after a 10-month cruciate injury layoff. The centre-back brought calmness and experience back to Liverpool's defense.
What went wrong? Klopp's team was dominant in both games for long periods, despite Liverpool winning unbeaten against City and Chelsea in their two home matches. After being outplayed by Pep guardiola's team, they could only score a Salah penalty against 10-man Chelsea. They were lucky to draw 2-2 against City. Liverpool are unquestionably a force for good in the title race this season, but they will need to win at home against their closest rivals.
They are heading where? Liverpool has Sadio Mane and Salah, two of the top goal-scorers of the Premier League. Their presence alone should guarantee that they are in the title race at season's end. Liverpool's midfield was overrun against Chelsea and City, but Klopp's team is able to dominate against weaker opponents. This is the only thing Liverpool should correct. They will be difficult to beat if they can turn the tide in the midfield against the best teams.
Play 1:53 Hislop - Man City is clearly missing a true goal scorer Shaka Hislop says after Man City scored just one goal in their 0-0 draw against Southampton.
3. MANCHESTER CITY
P7, D2, W4, L1, GD +11
Points: 14
Story so far: Although City was unable to sign Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo to replace Sergio Aguero (who moved to Barcelona as an unrestricted agent), Guardiola's team still managed to score 14 goals over seven games. Although they lost to Tottenham on their opening day, Guardiola's team has since won four points in two games against Chelsea (and Liverpool) so there is not much to worry about at the Etihad.
What has gone well? The obvious hangover from last season's Champions League final defeat to Chelsea has not affected the team and Aguero's absence has not caused any problems. City's defensive strength is even better than last season. Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias were both reintroduced to the team ahead of John Stones. City appear to be a team capable of sustaining a title challenge on automatic pilot, regardless who Guardiola chooses on a week by week basis.
What went wrong? City's solid start has been tempered by the absence of a true focal point in their attack. Although the results suggest that it isn't an issue to play without the centre-forward, a closer examination of the numbers shows that only two league goals have been scored and that the club has managed just four goals away from home.
This City team is constantly debating whether Ronaldo or Kane would be a good or bad addition to their attacking play. A team that is constantly attacking in waves and has five or more offensive players at one time could be less effective if they have one goal-hungry striker. While time will show, a team with so many weaknesses could find it difficult to have a reliable centre-forward.
Which direction are they going? City is still the top team in the country, and they are the side to beat. City won at Anfield with Rahem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as well as Ferran Torres (Ferran Torres), Fernandinho, Ilkay gundogan, Fernandinho, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gandoan, and Stones. Their depth is concerning for the other title contenders.
Play 0:40 Nicol does not think Man United are in title race Stevie Nicol is skeptical about Man United's squad depth after they conceded a lead with Everton.
4. MANCHESTER UNITED
P7, D2, W4, L2, L1, GD +8
Points: 14
Story so far: Ronaldo has returned to Old Trafford. The story of Ronaldo, his goals, games missed and desserts the night before matches is the main focus of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. Although the attention on Ronaldo, 36, may seem trivial, his five goals in six games thus far proves that United will have Ronaldo at the core of their season. Solskjaer's tactical mistakes have been resurfacing in the campaign's opening weeks.
What has gone right? Ronaldo's impact on the game since he arrived from Juventus in September is undoubtedly greater than United could have imagined. Ronaldo has been a consistent scorer and has also scored crucial goals, including his stoppage-time winner against Villarreal in Champions League.
United continues to have an impressive record away from home in league play, with Solskjaer's team currently unbeaten in 29 league games -- an English league record. Mason Greenwood's growth is another plus. The 20-year old scored three goals in seven league matches.
What went wrong? United lost 19 Old Trafford games last season, dropping 26 points. They also lost six of those. This time around they are not improving their record. Solskjaer's team has won one of four Old Trafford games in all competitions and have only taken one point in their two previous home games.
Solskjaer is still struggling to find the right formula to stop United from attacking United on counter-attack. United take advantage of a weak middlefield and Bruno Fernandes raised his concerns following the 1-1 draw with Everton. Although Raphael Varane and Ronaldo have made solid starts since their arrival this summer, Jadon Sancho, the winger, has not impressed since his 72.9m transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
Which direction are they going? Although there are still hopes for a title challenge at Old Trafford, United is just two points behind leaders Chelsea. However, performances suggest that Solskjaer's team will struggle to keep up with the top three. United's inconsistency has been their Achilles heel. They are capable of scoring against any opponent in attack but cannot defend well enough or lack the midfield stability to manage games. You shouldn't be surprised if United doesn't win the title this season.
play 1:21 Nuno
8. TOTTENHAM
P7, W4, L0, D0, GD -4
Points: 12
Story so far: Spurs have had a story of highs, and lows. After three games, a win against Man City led to a rise to the top, but since then they have been heavily defeated in London derbies against Crystal Palace and Arsenal. Fans have struggled to convince Nuno Espirito Santato, the new manager, that he is the right man to lead the team forward. Kane's future and focus are still high on the agenda. Spurs are just two points behind the top four despite their extremes of good, bad and indifferent performances.
What has gone well? One positive thing about the first week of the season is that Kane has remained at the club despite his efforts to make a move to Manchester City in the summer. Son Heung Min has also signed a long-term contract. Spurs will be able to progress to the fourth round in the Carabao Cup. Dele Alli also has glimpses of his former form, which once made him one the most sought-after players in Europe. The negatives are more important than the positives at this stage.
What went wrong? Kane has not scored a goal in the Premier League this year, and England's captain has been unable to serve in the major defeats against Chelsea or Arsenal. Nuno's stern tactical approach is a reflection of his personality. The former Wolves coach has not won over skeptical fans or some of his players who expected a more prominent appointment as Jose Mourinho’s long-term successor.
Tottenham's statistics are also worrying. They have conceded 10 goals and scored six goals in seven leagues. Spurs have won six of seven leagues and conceded 10.
They are going where? Spurs can score if Kane is able to, and that should help them finish in the top six, despite Nuno’s cautious approach. Kane is the only thing that matters. Spurs could decide to let Kane go in January if he struggles to score goals. It is not clear if they will be able to find a club that is willing to pay more than 100m in transfer fees, or if they can find a replacement.
Play 1:22 Was Arsenal's victory over Tottenham a sign of things to come or a false dawn? Steve Nicol and Mark Donaldson reflect on Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.
11. ARSENAL
P7, D1, L3, GD
Points 10
Story so far: Arsenal's worst season started with a defeat at Manchester City. It was a stark reminder of how far Arsenal has fallen over the years. Manager Mikel Arteta is a catalyst for a turnaround. Arsenal now have five consecutive wins in all competitions. They are still in the bottom half of this table, however, which is a reminder of how awful they were after losing three games without scoring.
What has gone well? Arsenal's biggest positive is the team's reaction to losing the first three games. The Emirates sources have stated that Arteta will remain for the long-term and that the early season results won't cost him his job. However, the pressure was increasing until the important wins against Norwich (and Burnley) ended the tide.
Arteta and Arsenal were changed by the 3-1 win over Tottenham at home, which has restored their positive vibe. Since replacing Bernd Leno, Aaron Ramsdale as goalkeeper has added personality and confidence. Arsenal is now on the road to recovery, having won three of their next four league matches at Emirates.
What went wrong? Arsenal conceded nine goals in their first three games without scoring. They were then torn apart in the second half by City and Chelsea. These defeats show the gap between Arteta’s young team and the established heavyweights at top of the table. Arsenal's success can only be measured against top teams, despite their recent revival that included a win against Spurs.
They are heading in the right direction. Although Arsenal's recent form may suggest that they have made some progress under Arteta's leadership, they are still a young team managed by an inexperienced coach. Inconsistency is likely this season. Arteta's key goal for Arsenal is to get back to European competition. The run of games this week, in combination with the City defeat revival, suggests that Arteta could lead the team to the top six.
