Seven weeks into the Premier League season, the table is beginning to settle into distinct tiers, revealing a notable trend: an unusually high number of average-to-poor sides are jostling for position even as early-season rust disappears.
Manchester City, sitting top despite the shadow of financial charges, and Arsenal remain the class of the division, while Brighton and Hove Albion have emerged as the campaign’s most exciting surprise. Liverpool and Chelsea sit a rung below but appear primed for strong finishes. Almost every other squad carries discernible flaws—unspectacular in various ways—yet the standings must be filled, leaving several clubs in unexpectedly high or low positions. Not all surprises are pleasant, depending on the club in question.
Some are scrambling to escape disastrous starts: Bournemouth and Fulham each claimed their first victories this weekend, while Aston Villa added another win following a poor opening stretch. Brighton, joined by Leeds United, sit higher than preseason projections suggested. The early-season volatility has not fully dissipated, producing another intriguing set of power rankings.
Here is a checkpoint on the Premier League, seven games in.
1. Manchester City (+1)
Manchester City deserve only limited credit for a rout of Ipswich Town, yet they ascend to the summit because they hold a clear edge over Arsenal, who entered the campaign as the team to beat.
2. Arsenal (-1)
Arsenal were not at their dominant best in a narrow victory over Nottingham Forest, though they fielded a rotated side and their depth proved sufficient.
3. Brighton and Hove Albion (+1)
Reasonable caveats apply after only seven matches, but Brighton have excelled on multiple occasions—including Sunday’s 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace—and have thoroughly earned their elevated position.
4. Liverpool (+1)
Liverpool benefited from a red card in their win over Brentford, yet they are visibly shedding the unfamiliarity of a new system as Andoni Iraola navigates his first season in charge.
5. Chelsea (+1)
Perhaps, just perhaps, Chelsea’s early defensive chaos is behind them. Stiffer tests than Everton await, but a comfortable victory over the Toffees is not insignificant.
6. Leeds United (+1)
Leeds profile as a mid-table side, but in a league packed with them, someone must rise above the pack. Daniel Farke’s team have shown admirable consistency, on display in their draw with Manchester United, which justifies their placement here.
7. Brentford (-4)
Brentford have failed to sustain their surprisingly strong start the way Brighton have, yet they remain one of the stronger mid-table outfits, even in defeat to Liverpool.
8. Manchester United (+1)
Manchester United’s underlying metrics suggest they should sit far higher than 13th, but the Red Devils appear resigned to mediocrity. When they will resolve their issues remains anyone’s guess.
9. Everton (+1)
Possessing only one recognised striker might prove costlier in a different campaign, but in a season defined by mid-table parity, Everton sit comfortably here.
10. Aston Villa (+9)
The mid-table congestion means separation in this region feels like splitting hairs. Villa have work to do to escape their early struggles, yet they have begun that climb. Expect further rises in the coming weeks before a period of stability sets in.
11. Bournemouth (+2)
Like Villa, Bournemouth’s first win arrived late, but underlying numbers indicate they are on track for a steady maiden Premier League season under Marco Rose.
12. Sunderland (-4)
Some of Sunderland‘s early results may prove valuable over a long campaign, and there is no shame in losing to Bournemouth. However, the Black Cats bear watching—their trajectory could swing either way from here.
13. Fulham (+4)
This is where the hair-splitting truly begins: as many as eight clubs look poor enough to be dragged into a relegation fight, Fulham included. The Cottagers edge ahead for now simply because they finally secured a win.
14. Ipswich Town (-2)
Being thrashed by Manchester City does not define Ipswich Town’s overall quality, but it is fair to question whether they can sustain the momentum of their early overperformance.
15. Nottingham Forest (-4)
Nottingham Forest competed well against Arsenal despite the loss, and underlying data suggest Oliver Glasner’s side are better than their results show. Five points from seven games is concerning, though time remains to correct course.
16. Hull City (-1)
Reality may be catching up with Hull City, who rode good fortune in the Championship last term and carried it into the start of this season. A lifeless defeat to Fulham is not a sign of strength, even if early results provide a temporary cushion.
17. Newcastle United (-3)
There are few redeeming features for Newcastle United, who are learning the hard way that offloading top talent carries a cost, the latest example being a loss to Villa.
18. Tottenham Hotspur (+2)
Tottenham Hotspur are the division’s last winless side and could change that on Monday against Coventry City. If last week’s draw with Manchester United is any guide, they could surge up the rankings like Villa and Bournemouth, but only time will tell if a turnaround is genuine.
19. Coventry City (-1)
Unlike Hull and Ipswich, Coventry epitomise the struggling promoted club, unable to cope with Premier League demands in almost every facet. Monday’s game against Spurs looks winnable on paper, but a single result will not extract them from the relegation battle.
20. Crystal Palace (-4)
Crystal Palace sit above the drop zone for now, but they were pummelled by Brighton and rank last in the league on expected goal differential. A long season looms, regardless of preference.