Every football season needs its share of surprises, and this one is no exception. After six matchdays, which teams and players are defying expectations?
Chelsea, once written off as a chaotic club, have climbed to fourth place under new manager Enzo Maresca, thanks to three consecutive wins. Cole Palmer, with four goals in the first half against Brighton, is making a strong case for being the league’s top player. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is finally justifying his £100m price tag.
Fulham, meanwhile, are exceeding expectations, sitting sixth in the table. Mexico international Raúl Jiménez has rediscovered his form, scoring three goals in three matches, while winger Adama Traoré is finally delivering on his promise. Manager Marco Silva deserves credit for his patience and tactical acumen.
The promoted teams – Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton – may yet prove their doubters wrong. Ipswich, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance, earning draws against Fulham, Brighton, Southampton, and Villa. Young striker Liam Delap looks a bargain signing, while Jack Clarke will give opposition teams plenty to worry about on the left wing.
Leicester, despite conceding too many goals, have shown fight and scored in every game so far. Jamie Vardy still looks sharp, and Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, and Wilfred Ndidi bring valuable Premier League experience to the midfield.
Southampton, meanwhile, need to address their defensive frailties, but their academy has produced another gem in Tyler Dibling, who scored a lovely goal against Ipswich.
As for relegation battles, Wolves have conceded a league-high 16 goals and look vulnerable. Crystal Palace and West Ham are also struggling to find their rhythm, despite boasting talented squads. Players like Eberechi Eze, Marc Guéhi, and Adam Wharton will need to step up for Palace, while Lucas Paquetá, Jarrod Bowen, and Mohammed Kudus must do the same for West Ham.
Some players are making unexpected waves, including Arsenal’s 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, Villa’s maverick striker Jhon Durán, Brighton’s versatile Jack Hinshelwood, and Nottingham Forest’s centre-back Nikola Milenkovic. Winger Harvey Barnes is finally forcing his way into the team after a flurry of well-taken goals for Newcastle.
Manchester United’s continued struggles under Erik ten Hag come as no surprise, given their pitiful display against Spurs. As for Manchester City, the absence of Phil Foden from the team is a mystery, while Liverpool’s smooth transition under Arne Slot has been a pleasant surprise. They’re enjoying flying under the radar while City and Arsenal grab the headlines.
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