PL’s Title Race: Contenders and Pretenders

Image: AFP

The Premier League title race is heating up, and after years of Manchester City's dominance, football fans are excited about the prospect of a more competitive season. With Arsenal leading the table and several other top teams in close proximity, it's time to separate the true contenders from the pretenders.

The Tight Race 

As of now, the Premier League table presents an exciting picture. With 13 games played, roughly a third of the way through the season, Arsenal sits at the top, closely pursued by Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Tottenham. Even Manchester United, despite their inconsistent performances, remains within striking distance. The competition is fierce, and fans are beginning to believe that anything could happen in this title race. 

Setting the Standard: 85 Points or More 

To assess a team's potential to win the title, one essential benchmark is whether they can accumulate 85 points or more over the season. Why 85 points? Over the past seven seasons, the lowest points tally that secured the Premier League title was 86 points, achieved by Manchester City in a relatively down year for other teams. Therefore, aiming for roughly 85 points or more seems like a reasonable target for this season's title contenders. 

Considering that we are a third of the way into the season with 13 games played, multiplying these figures by three gives a range of 84 to 90 points. So, for simplicity, let's use 85 points as the threshold. Now, let's evaluate each team's chances based on this standard. 

Image: Reuters

Analyzing the Contenders and Pretenders 

Manchester United
Despite their recent good form, Manchester United's reliance on narrow victories and a goal difference of zero raises concerns. Winning games by fine margins may not be sustainable in the long run, making it doubtful whether they can reach 85 points. As of now, they remain outside the conversation for serious title contention. 

Chelsea and Brighton
These teams boast good underlying numbers but are unlikely to reach 85 points. Chelsea, in particular, would need an extraordinary points-per-game rate to achieve this, which is beyond most teams' capabilities. 

Newcastle
Despite being a strong team, the challenges of managing a European campaign, domestic cup competitions, and a growing injury list make it unrealistic for Newcastle to secure 85 points. 

Arsenal
Currently topping the table, Arsenal's exceptional defense, led by William Saliba, makes them a unique contender. While their attack may need some diversification, their strong foundation and mean defense give them a real shot at the title. 

Image: Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's injuries have disrupted their season, but their ability to compete against strong opponents gives hope for a top-four finish, though winning the title seems unlikely. 

Aston Villa
Villa's depth issues and the impending European campaign could hinder their title aspirations, but they remain within touching distance of the top. 

Liverpool
Boasting the Premier League's most potent attack, Liverpool's reimagined team and strong underlying numbers make them legitimate title contenders. Their performance so far appears sustainable. 

Manchester City
The reigning champions are always in the mix, with their impressive squad depth and star players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne waiting in the wings. They are a formidable force in the title race. 

The 2023 Premier League title race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal leading the charge in different ways, football fans can expect a thrilling battle for the championship. Whether it's Arsenal's staunch defense, Liverpool's prolific attack, or Manchester City's all-around excellence, the Premier League title race promises excitement and unpredictability until the very end. Who will emerge as the champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this season's title race is one for the history books.