Every week I will break down the balance of power in the English Premier League.
Record: 9-0-2, 27 points
League position: 1st
Streak: five wins
A remarkable comeback at Villa Park kept United top of the table. It was a great exhibition of grit and determination, so kudos to Fergie’s boys. But they can’t keep conceding leads like that – eventually it’s going to catch up with them.
Record: 7-4-0, 25 points
League position: 2nd
Streak: one win (unbeaten in eleven)
Individual moments of brilliance – that’s how City has remained undefeated through 11 matches, despite some patchy performances. Again, like United, it’s eventually going to catch up with them.
Record: 5-5-1, 20 points
League position: 4th
Streak: one win (unbeaten in eight)
Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic form one of the most dangerous partnerships in the league, while Kevin Mirallas continues to impress. The Toffees’ “inevitable” drop down the table continues to be put on hold.
Record: 7-3-1, 24 points
League position: 3rd
Streak: two draws (winless in three)
Suddenly the Blues have lost their way, and the injury to John Terry will force Roberto Di Matteo to reshuffle at the back. But he Blues are a quality side, so expect them to quickly get over this blip and return to their winning ways.
Record: 6-2-3, 20 points
League position: 5th
Streak: two wins
Write off the Baggies at your peril. Stephen Clarke has built a well-orgnanized and balanced side. Chris Brunt may just be the most under-rated player in the English topflight.
Record: 5-3-3, 18 points
League position: 6th
Streak: one win (unbeaten in two)
It just had to be Kevin Nolan who scored the winner against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, didn’t it? Nolan and the Hammers continue to prove the critics wrong. Relegation candidates? Nope.
Record: 4-4-3, 16 points
League position: 9th
Streak: three draws (unbeaten in five)
The Cottagers put forth a valiant effort and performance at the Emirates, and probably should have walked away with three points. The addition of Dimitar Berbatov looks to be one of the shrewdest off-season moves by any Premiership club.
League position: 8th
Streak: one draw (winless in two)
Well, they scored a few goals against the Cottagers, proving they are capable of offensive outbursts. The problem appears to be preventing them. And how the Gunners could do with a proper no. 1 goalkeeper.
Record: 5-2-4, 17 points
League position: 7th
Streak: two losses
Talk about a Jekyll & Hyde side? Spurs are brilliant one week, lifeless the next. This team has talent but they can’t get into a consistent grove under AVB. How long before he’s let go? Time will tell.
Record: 3-4-4, 13 points
League position: 11th
The Swans are slowly returning to the great form they displayed early in the season. Nathan Dyer has been very effective off the bench; Michael Laudrup might want to consider working him back into the starting 11.
Record: 3-5-3, 14 points
League position: 10th
Streak: one loss (winless in two)
The Magpies look to have hit a rough patch. Demba Ba has gone quiet all of a sudden. Others have to step up and relieve him of some of the goal-scoring burden.
Record: 3-2-6, 11 points
League position: 14th
Streak: one loss
Latics looked bright against the Baggies but Roberto Martinez’s side has the Spurs syndrome: incapable of putting together a string of positive results
Record: 2-6-3, 12 points
League position: 13th
Streak: three draws (unbeaten in six)
As Suarez goes, so goes Liverpool. Steven Gerrard’s influence lessens by the week. Reds need to spend some money during the winter transfer period to give the Uruguayan some help.
Record: 2-5-4, 11 points
League position: 15th
Streak: one draw (unbeaten in four)
Nothing really exciting about their draw with Reading, but it was a valuable result that helped the Canaries pull further away from the relegation zone. These are valuable points.
League position: 12th
Streak: one win
The Potters are the latest team to take advantage of QPR’s ineptness. Charlie Adam had a good game (for once) but it’ll be interesting to see if they can build on this.
Record: 2-3-6, 9 points
League position: 17th
There’s no shame in losing to Manchester United, even like that. Villa can take confidence in the fact they took a 2-0 lead over the Reds. It’s something to build on.
Record: 1-6-6, 9 points
League position: 16th
Streak: two losses (winless in five)
Is Martin O’Neill in trouble of losing his job?
Record: 1-2-8, 4 points
League position: 19th
Streak: one draw (winless in six)
The Saints continue to leaks goals, but at least they took the lead against Swansea. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.
Record: 0-6-4, 5 points
League position: 18th
Streak: three draws (winless in ten)
Home to Norwich was a winnable game. The fact they couldn’t put one past the Canaries speaks to how much trouble Reading is in.
Record: 0-4-7, 4 points
League position: 20th
Streak: one loss (winless in eleven)
Another loss has people asking how much longer for Mark Hughes. If the Hoops can’t beat lowly Southampton Saturday at home, it’s hard to imagine he’ll survive another week.