The top 4 look already set in place in the Premier League with the running order of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. Some teams may have to swap positions but it wouldn't be a surprise if these clubs finish in the first four. Presently there is just 2 points between the clubs and we could be in for a close league title chase this season instead of one club running away with it.
This past weekend we were treated to the last two champions slugging it out at Anfield as Liverpool and Manchester City drew 2-2. The game had its lulls as both clubs cancelled out each other but the second half opened up to a feast of football which included a stellar display from Mohamed Salah. He assisted in the first goal for the Reds and scored a quite wonderful solo goal. But City bit back through goals from Phil Foden and a smasher from Kevin De Bruyne it was a reminder that the champions are going nowhere. Pep Guardiola will have been delighted to have taken a point at Anfield given his side were trailing twice in the game and they have gone away with 4 points from Chelsea and Liverpool, that could be very telling come the seasons end.
Everton were very good for their 1-1 draw away to Manchester United and scored a wonderful counter attacking goal that was rounded off by Andros Townsend. His Ronaldo like celebration was the icing on the cake and Everton were the better team. There remains a worry at United who seem to be struggling unless Ronaldo gets them out of jail, and in truth, the club have not put in a convincing display this season. And yet of course they are right up there in the standings although in all competitions it is just 1 win in their last four.
Brentford continue to impress and they followed up their scintillating 3-3 draw against Liverpool with a last gasp 2-1 win away to West Ham. The Bees were good for their victory and like Leeds United last season have been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League, they are currently in 7th place with 12 points and are easily on course to survive.
The north London teams had a positive outcome, Tottenham ended a 3 game losing streak by beating a good Aston Villa side 2-1 although the lack of goals from Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son in the league so far will be of concern. Arsenal didn't win but they drew away to Brighton 0-0 and considering the good start from Graham Potter's side this campaign that was a valuable point for the Gunners who have now gone their last 4 games unbeaten.
Norwich, Newcastle and Burnley make up the bottom three, but it isn't quite desperate times for the teams in 19th and 18th place given how close it all is. The same cannot be said for Norwich who already look like they will be relegated. Though the Canaries did earn their first point of the season after they drew 0-0 at Burnley.
Finally Watford have been at it again as they sacked Xisco Munoz. This is the same Munoz that steered the club to promotion and the Hornets have 7 points so far this season and are only 7 more from a top four place. True Watford have their limitations but it does seem a head scratcher to see exactly what Munoz did wrong? Then again this is Watford who have had 5 different managers in the last two years. Claudio Ranieri has been appointed on a two year contract that no one expects will be needed. What exactly Ranieri has been charged to do that Munoz wasn't achieving with the squad is anyone's idea.
Domestic football takes a break for the next 10 days as World Cup qualifying and the finals of the UEFA Nations League take precedence.
Premier League Relegation odds: Norwich 1.25, Watford 1.72, Newcastle 1.72, Burnley 2.10, Crystal Palace 3.75
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