Four weeks may not be enough to render definitive verdicts in a Premier League season defined by transition, but if the opening matches are any indication, Manchester City could very well be forging a new winning identity — even when reduced to 10 men.
Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United secured their fourth consecutive win to begin the season, a feat matched so far only by Arsenal. A handful of other clubs are also enjoying strong starts, including Brighton and Hove Albion, who added another commanding victory against the hapless Coventry City. Hull City, meanwhile, continue to surpass expectations, sitting in third place in the league after four games.
At the other end of the table, several teams are already mired in deep trouble. Coventry and Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for a goal, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have ample reason for concern following sluggish starts to their campaigns. These sides are part of a growing list of teams yet to register a win through four games, a group that also includes Bournemouth and Fulham, whose rebuilding efforts are getting off to a far slower start than City’s.
Here is another edition of power rankings as the Premier League season continues.
1. Arsenal (–)
Arsenal are the embodiment of consistency, and their predictability is a strength rather than a weakness. They remain as well-equipped as any side to handle whatever challenge comes their way.
2. Manchester City (–)
There remains a slight sense of incompleteness around Manchester City, but with four wins from four under a new manager and a significant squad overhaul, that feels like a minor quibble.
3. Chelsea (–)
Much like Manchester City, Chelsea do not yet feel like a finished product, but Xabi Alonso grows more and more like the right managerial appointment with each passing day. Expect him to address their issues in due time.
4. Brighton and Hove Albion (+6)
It is still early in the season, so positions are bound to shift considerably, but Brighton and Hove Albion cannot stop finding the back of the net, whether against Coventry City or Chelsea. That counts for something, at least in an early-season power ranking.
5. Brentford (-1)
They were not at their best in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, but things continue to move in the right direction under coach Keith Andrews, to the point where they will likely be a difficult test for any opponent all season — and probably one capable of challenging for a strong finish come May.
6. Liverpool (–)
Liverpool round out the list of works in progress. Few will be satisfied with a goalless draw against Fulham, but they outperformed the Cottagers over the full 90 minutes, largely thanks to their in-form attacking players.
7. Manchester United (–)
One win in four is far from impressive, but Manchester United’s difficulties, particularly in attack, are addressable. Those solutions may not raise their ceiling all that much, but they should provide stability once implemented.
8. Bournemouth (+1)
Three points from four games does not accurately capture what Bournemouth are about, as they sit eighth in the Premier League on expected goal differential. They should regress to the mean sooner rather than later.
9. Nottingham Forest (+2)
Nottingham Forest are not a flashy outfit by nature, but Oliver Glasner is building a side that plays with a dependable level of consistency, and the players so far are adapting well to the new manager.
10. Sunderland (+3)
There were legitimate concerns about Sunderland following a quiet transfer window, but late summer signings have allowed them to get their bearings. They held their own against Arsenal even in defeat, an impressive achievement for any side.
11. Leeds United (-3)
Leeds United feel squarely midtable at this stage of the season, which is entirely reasonable for a team promoted just a year ago.
12. Everton (–)
Everton are increasingly looking like a team with only one striker after failing to sign Folarin Balogun. They may have outperformed Tottenham Hotspur in a 0-0 draw, but that is not saying much.
13. Hull City (+1)
Hull City continue to defy logic — they sit third in the league table with 10 points from 12, all while ranking 15th on expected goal differential. They deserve credit for getting results, even if doing so remains difficult to explain.
14. Ipswich Town (+4)
Ipswich Town are winning the games within their reach, this time outplaying Crystal Palace. They have three points to show for it, and every point matters for a newly promoted side.
15. Newcastle United (-15)
Newcastle United have had their moments so far this season, but with a goal difference of +2 and an expected goal difference of -2.46, they still need to prove that their early promise is not a fluke.
16. Crystal Palace (–)
The UEFA Conference League winners have yet to settle into any rhythm, and there is a genuine sense that their early struggles point to deeper issues. Put more simply — conceding 11 goals in four games is not acceptable!
17. Fulham (+2)
The scorelines remain respectable for Fulham, the latest being a 0-0 draw at Anfield, but the Cottagers have yet to display any standout qualities of their own. They might be in for a long season.
18. Aston Villa (-1)
Things are dire for the UEFA Europa League winners, who have become a target for the rest of the league in the opening weeks of the campaign. The only silver lining — and it is slim — is that they have scored a few goals despite remaining winless.
19. Tottenham Hotspur (-5)
The reason Aston Villa’s four goals merited mention? Tottenham Hotspur, who still have not scored this season and look devoid of ideas every time they take the pitch. The only upside is that they’re not…
20. Coventry City (–)
…Coventry City. While the other newly promoted sides are punching above their weight, Frank Lampard‘s team has no goals and no points to their name this season. It is quite the fall from grace for the Championship winners, who have a considerable amount of work ahead to dig themselves out of this hole.
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