Liverpool’s loss on Saturday now leaves one team with four wins from four Premier League games. In the least surprising way, it is Manchester City, winners of four consecutive Premier League titles. While it is clearly too early to declare that the title is already theirs, Erling Haaland has already scored nine goals from four games and the defense is doing just enough not to lose games, the old sense of the inevitable that City still has a title will only get bigger. .
Arne Slot’s Liverpool got off to a good start, winning their first three games without conceding a goal, but it took just one mistake to drop points against Nottingham Forest. No one will stop a shot like Callum Hudson-Odoi’s for Forest’s winning goal, but that’s also where CIty and their high-octane attack stand out from the pack.
City were only one minute behind in the match against Brentford. At halftime Haaland had a brace and the result was all but secured. It is an outfit that other teams, such as Arsenal, have been able to match at times of the season, but none have been able to endure the physical and mental battle required to beat City.
Martin Odegaard’s injury and Declan Rice’s suspension are already raising many questions for the Gunners ahead of a crucial north London derby against Tottenham. Considering the title was decided by two points last season, it’s important to find a way to get as many early points as possible, especially with each team now playing more games in the Champions League.
The only team that can stop Manchester City is themselves and their injuries, but even now they are achieving these feats without Phil Foden. He has made just one appearance this season due to injuries after scoring 19 goals last season. The man to watch is Haaland, as if he is missing time. City don’t have another recognized striker on the squad, but the Norwegian has been quite durable in league play so far, appearing in 70 of a possible 80 league matches in just over two seasons. with the club.
When looking to see who can challenge City for the title, Newcastle United could be an unexpected contender. They had their own problems early in the season, with Fabian Schar receiving a suspension in their first game and Alexander Isak struggling to find the back of the net, but they still managed to secure seven points in three games. A win against Wolverhampton could see the Magpies rise to second in the league. Without European football, their concerns about depth will not be as great as during the previous campaign.
It is still Manchester City’s competition to lose at this stage, but if other teams have to be perfect to even get within striking distance of City, playing fewer games is a crucial factor. Arsenal and Liverpool won’t go away, but there are questions they need to answer. Arsenal felt they were just one striker away from winning the league and after failing to sign one this summer, they need to source attacking assets from everywhere. Liverpool have looked great under Slot, but it is one thing to start the season well and another to respond to a difficult period. After the defeat to Forest, we get a chance to see how the Reds bounce back. More points scored by teams could ultimately ensure that the title is retained in Manchester for a fifth consecutive season.