Seven matches played, seven matches won for Liverpool as about 20% of the 2019-20 Premier League season has been completed. However, Jorgen Klopp's crew's 1-0 defeat over Sheffield United did not come easily, as the reigning European champions escaped their visit to the newly-promoted side thanks to a glaring goalkeeping error. Nonetheless, Liverpool still sit atop the table, ride an impressive 16-game win streak dating back to last season and are five points clear of Manchester City. However, the Reds have a grueling October ahead, as all three of their Premier Leagues matches will be against teams currently in the top 10 with Leicester City (3rd), Tottenham (6th) and Manchester United (10th). The next several weeks could be extremely important for Liverpool's agonizing pursuit of its first Premier League title. But at the end of the day, the squad has looked all the part of champions from goalkeeping (even with second-stringer Adrian) to the daunting front three. Keeping this balance will be crucial in the next few weeks and the rest of the season as well.
Nipping at the heels of the early leaders is that Manchester City team, determined to repeat last year's (and the year prior) success. Following week six's 8-0 thrashing of Watford, the reigning Champions *only* defeated Everton 3-1. In actuality, Man City's victory simply showcased its resilience and offensive firepower. Despite being trapped in a pesky draw with 15th-place Everton for a majority of the match, Manchester City nevertheless showcased its top-class skill and scored twice in the final 20 minutes to seal the three points. While Liverpool's front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino is arguably the most skilled, two of the league's top four scorers are from Manchester City in Sergio Agüero (8) and Raheem Sterling (6). More so, Manchester City's 27 goals for blows the leaders' 18 out of the water. With Aymeric Laporte out for months to come and with that, huge questions in the Man City backline (who are averaging a goal against per game), the squad will continue to focus on offensive strengths.
Elsewhere, Leicester City may be on the trails of its phenomenal 2015-16 season when the side shocked the world, winning the Premier League title. The Foxes sit in third place currently with 14 points and boast the best goals against tally in the league at only five conceded, along with Liverpool. Leicester's 5-0 thrashing of 10-man Newcastle was highlighted by Jamie Vardy's two goals, which brought his career total to 85. The Foxes have almost quietly risen to the top three and have done so with incredible balance, anchored by Vardy up top and world-class goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. While I believe Man City and Liverpool will ultimately be the two teams vying for the trophy again this year, I certainly think Leicester will be a massive contender for a top-four spot and a berth in the Champions League.
The matchup of the weekend was supposed to be Monday's battle between Arsenal and Manchester United, but it turned out to be a game not quite as exciting as two Big Six teams would hope. However, the match did showcase something I have believed so far this season; in terms of importance to one's team, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the best player so far this season. Aubameyang has scored in four straight matches this season and is tied for second with most goals at seven. The Gunners sit at fourth place currently and without the Gabon-born striker, I can't imagine this squad would even be in the top-10. Aubameyang is everything for this Arsenal team currently and he may be on track to earn another Golden Boot.
XI of the Week
Goalkeeper - Rui Patricio, Wolverhampton
Defense - Ricardo Pereira, Leicester City
Joel Matip, Liverpool
Will Boly, Wolverhampton
Ben Chilwell, Leicester City
Midfield - Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City
Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City
Andriy Yarmolenko, West Ham United
Jorginho, Chelsea
Striker - Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal
Power Rankings
1.) Liverpool
Place in table: 1
2.) Manchester City
Place in table: 2
3.) Leicester City
Place in table: 3
4.) Chelsea
Place in table: 7
5.) Arsenal
Place in table: 4
6.) Bournemouth
Place in table: 8
7.) Tottenham
Place in table: 6
8.) West Ham United
Place in table: 5
9.) Crystal Palace
Place in table: 9
10.) Burnley
Place in table: 11
11.) Manchester United
Place in table: 10
12.) Sheffield United
Place in table: 12
13.) Southampton
Place in table: 14
14.) Wolverhampton
Place in table: 13
15.) Norwich City
Place in table: 17
16.) Everton
Place in table: 15
17.) Aston Villa
Place in table: 18
18.) Brighton & Hove Albion
Place in table: 16
19.) Newcastle United
Place in table: 19
20.) Watford
Place in table: 20