The new Premier League season is only four games old, but already talk of Manchester City’s supposedly imminent dethroning has been rife.
Liverpool are the apparent front runners, and ostensibly their glittering early season record illustrates their credibility as title contenders. But scratch the surface and the performances have been pedestrian at best – also not forgetting the salient fact that there are still 34 matches to be played.
Those opening paragraphs might spark some calls of ‘hypocrite’ – especially since Manchester City have been far from their electric selves in the embryonic stages of the season – however that doesn’t mean to say they won’t improve drastically as the term goes on. Their title-winning acumen will prove invaluable, and it is something that could provide the edge over an optimistic Liverpool side.
There is no denying that Jurgen Klopp has built an impressive squad containing some world stars and an attacking triumvirate currently unrivalled in world football. But their concern will be the past. The Reds came so close to clinching the famous Premier League title in 2013/14, however nerves were hugely significant in the latter stages of the campaign and City stole in under Manuel Pellegrini to break Liverpudlian hearts.
A nail-biting finale similar to that of four years ago would be perfect for the neutral, however a meticulous Pep Guardiola would much prefer a repeat of last season. Manchester City have shown glimmers of the form that took them to a magnificent record-breaking championship, and hints that they could rediscover their distinct, lethal touch is surely a worry for the remainder of the division.
Chelsea have more chance of pipping City
Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea aren’t necessarily dark horses due to their quality in abundance across the field, however if the former Napoli manager secured the Premier League title in his maiden season in England, it would be seen as a surprise.
However, Chelsea’s bizarre history suggests that is a possibility, and they have quietly gone about their business with class and professionalism. They are another club at the summit, though, who have yet to reach their peak which makes intensifies the unpredictability of this season.
Chelsea under Antonio Conte in their first season together was a resounding success, similarly with Jose Mourinho during both stints at the west London club. Sarri has started as he means to go on with a sparkling record, and having come so close to ending Juventus’ profuse dominance in Serie A last term, the eccentric Italian will crave redemption.
Will Chelsea be Manchester City’s closest rivals this season?