Six matchweeks into the 2019-20 Premier League season and we have a vague idea of what could unfold in the next few months in England’s top division. Liverpool have run away with the lead, 5 points ahead of Manchester City in second place, while Watford have struggled and are early contenders for relegation this season.
We have seen quite a few surprising performances from teams, not least Norwich City’s fantastic win over Manchester City.
It’s been a chaotic start to the Premier League season; let’s take a look at 5 things we have learnt from the first six matchweeks:
Liverpool have a very good chance of winning the title
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team have had a great start to the season, winning all six of their opening games, and leading the table. The Merseyside club have looked unbeatable so far, with almost no chinks in their armour, and are favourites to go all the way due to various reasons.
The Reds have a five-point gap at the top, which is a sizable number considering the end to last season, when only one point separated Liverpool and City, while the injury to Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has exposed a huge gap in the City defence.
Watford seem doomed
Watford have had a miserable start to their season, losing four of their six games, while they are yet to register a win as well. Their poor start resulted in the sacking of manager Javi Gracia, and Quique Sánchez Flores was hired once again to lead the Hornets out of the bottom.
But, it seems like Watford are destined for relegation as they have looked vulnerable at the back – as was on evidence in the game against City where they were mauled 8-0 – while they have also not been creative in attack.
Norwich City and Sheffield United do it their way
Watford have struggled so far this season, but two promoted sides – Norwich City and Sheffield United – have impressed, in their own way. Norwich City had a very quiet transfer window, but have already got the biggest scalp of the season, when they defeated champions Manchester City, while Sheffield United have won two and drawn two, and are 10th in the table.
Both sides have shown intent, which is a departure from what promoted sides usually do in their first season in the Premier League. Their addition to the league has been exciting and they could pull off quite a few more shocks this season.
Manchester United “project” needs heavy investment and time
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under intense pressure to bring positive results, even more so after spending heavily in the summer transfer window. But the Red Devils are way off the pace, as they have been condemned to two defeats already, and have shown little creativity in most of the games.
The United manager needs to strengthen all across the pitch as the squad consists mostly of young players who may not have it in them to guide United back to the Premier League title or at least near the top 2.
Potential challengers for top 6
United could be one of the clubs that could drop out of the top 6 this season as several clubs outside of the top 6 have been impressive so far. Leicester City, whose only loss this season came against United, are third on the table, just two points away from Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers’ men were tipped to do well ahead of the season and they are living up to the expectations.
Another team who could challenge for the top 6 is West Ham United, who defeated Manchester United last weekend and have a squad with experience and depth in most areas. Under the guidance of former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Hammers could surprise a few and usurp United in the top 6.