We have only had four match round of the 2022/23 English Premier League (EPL) season, but already the premiership candidates are beginning to unveil themselves.
The quality players possessed by each team this season in this league make for a spectacular title race this season. Early shows the season performers such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Man United, Spurs, Chelsea and the resurgent Arsenal will battle in one of the most competitive season we have in recent years.
Who are are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season and who are the teams that are simply pretenders?
Read on to find out
Arsenal
Arsenal sit atop the English Premier League table with twelve points from four matches — yet to be beaten and yet to have a result that didn't see them really looked troubled in games thus far.
Granted their win against Fulham was a close one, but the fact remains that this is a very quality team put together by Mikel Arteta. The additions to the team has been superb and consistent with his vision added to the fact that the smaller teams they can't readily beat in previous seasons are been dispatched with minimum fuss.
This simply means the gunners must be considered a Premier League threat though the true test of the character and quality of this team is yet to be tested against the big six. The tenacity and focus makes them title contenders.
Status: Contenders
Manchester City
Manchester City haven't hit full gear yet they look sure bet to retain the championship considering are clinical, bouncing back from setbacks during games and the attacking powess Of Erling Haaland and co.
This team we often saw at times last season, achieved results when it mattered most and has continue in that fashion in the relentless pursuit of glory.
We know exactly how good this squad is after we watched them clinch the 2021/22 English Premier League trophy, and we know that they have plenty of potential game-winning players and have sold a few but they have kept a bulk and even added genuine quality to the team and importantly all happy to play for this team.
Early results so far show clearly that they are not ready to reliquinsh their crown without a fight.
Status: Definitely Contenders and favourites for the title
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the new White Hart Lane and was able to guide a team that was seemingly off the pace in the quest for top four to within a touching distance of Chelsea FC who finished behind Manchester city and Liverpool.
The former Chelsea and Intermilan boss bought well over the summer transfer window and has kept a bulk of the squad together and also instil fighting spirit into the team.
Early results and considering the outstanding record of their manger who is a multiple domestic league champion and the retention of key players and adding quality to a good teams indicates Spurs are primed for a big year in the Premier League.
Status: Contenders
Liverpool
Make no mistake, Liverpool were a whole lot better against Bournemouth than they were in their opening round against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Man United but the fact remains that Liverpool aren't a serious title threat in anyone's minds this year due to the loss of Sadio Mane a key cog in the attacking trio, Injury to key components of the and Darwin Nunez adjusting to the demands of the premier league.
One good game doesn't prove anything especially when the match itself is against a team coming from the championship who has already beaten by arsenal and Manchester city. They is a glaring issues in defense and in the midfield. They is hope that they will find from when they find though and injuries abate.
Players like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez will be key if Liverpool fans are to have hope to win the premier league once again though the future is still strong at Anfield, as it is the Reds will challenge the top teams at times this season but may lack consistency due to high rate of injuries to important components of the team and consistency will be key this season and early indications shows it simply not there for the Reds yet. May be they have to wait for another season.
Status: Pretenders
Manchester United
With the arrival of Lisandro Martinez, Erikson and Casmeiro, Manchester United have the potential to be a very good team this season. And if their defense can stay healthy this year and concentrate on games there's absolutely no reason why the Red Devils cannot challenge for the Premier League.
Backed by one of the finest manager in the game Erik Ten Haag, United seems to building the pieces together to challenge for the Domestic gong once again and the components that were lacking in previous years are been addressed by the man lacked in charge.
It is worthy to note this is a team in transition and started the season badly and winning the
premier league will come too soon for them.
United haven't started the season in the most convincing fashion, but similar to Liverpool, given time, they'll prove why they're one of the best sides in the EPL.
Status: Pretenders
Chelsea
Chelsea have had three games in which none of the attackers have scored any goals thus far.
A clear indication that the struggle for goals still remain from last added to the fact that they have sold and loan the two natural strikers in the team as at last season with only the returning loanee Armando Borja as an out and out striker.
A season that responsibility of goal scoring beckons. Yes, Chelsea started the season in a bit good way but not even up to the fantastic start last season and but the lack of a target man may be the biggest undoing of this team.
Discipline is another issue two red cards in two games is unacceptable and How long Ngolo Kante can stay fit will be a major determinant of how Chelsea season, since they are not likely to score many it is paramount they don't concede much as well which makes defensive stability and doesn't look like featuring the same resurrection that last year did.
The transfer window is still open and they can address this glaring deficiency in the attacking department if they want to stand and outside chance of contending for the title.
Finishing in the top-four looks tough enough for Chelsea considering the well documented goal scoring issues which has lingered for seasons now.
Status: Pretenders
In conclusion these is going to be one of the most unpredictable season we have had in recent times and considering the level of investment in most teams surprises and shocking results will abound but the key to winning the premier league this season will be the team with the most consistent results.
Your view?
I've got Arsenal, Manchester city and spurs as my contenders so far, and Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool as big pretenders in the 2022/23 English Premier League season.
Agree or Disagree.