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We’re now 11 matches into the Premier League season and we’re starting to see a clearer picture of how things may pan out at both the top and bottom of the table.
Manchester City have left their title rivals in their wake and enjoy an eight-point lead as we enter the international fortnight, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in irrepressible form.
Pep Guardiola’s team have left the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in their wake, but there’s still plenty of time for things to change.
At the bottom, it’s been a nightmare start for the likes of Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham and Swansea with some managers already paying the price.
We asked our reporters for their verdict on all the key questions.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Only City can stop themselves winning the title now. History tells you that every team has a wobble at some point during the season and City will be no different. The problem for the rest is that they will have to be close enough to try to take advantage and City already have a cushion. In the past, an injury to a key player like Kevin De Bruyne or Sergio Aguero might have derailed them but now they have a squad that could roll with punches like that.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Manchester United. I know that sounds a little odd given that they are second but the disappointment is that they did not have the courage to pursue their challenge after such a brilliant start. They had done well against lesser clubs but the failure of nerve and tactics in that 0-0 draw at Liverpool destroyed all their momentum. They will recover some of that momentum when Paul Pogba returns and I still think they are the best equipped to challenge City.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne - he said in his interview with Sportsmail at the weekend that he gets more satisfaction out of creating goals than scoring them and some of his passing this season has been beautiful to watch. He is a fantastic team player who brings the best out of his colleagues and he has added some spectacular goals to his contribution, too.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Nemanja Matic - he has brought a much better balance to Manchester United. His signing also weakened Chelsea at the same time. When Paul Pogba returns to the United line up, he and Matic may yet form the basis of a title challenge for Mourinho’s side.
Which team has surprised you most?
Everton - I thought they would fashion a consistent challenge for a place in the top four this season. I liked the signings they made in the summer and there was real optimism around the place. I’m surprised they have fallen away so spectacularly.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
I get a bad feeling about Swansea at the moment. All does not seem quite right between the ownership and the management team, for a start. I am a big fan of the club and of Paul Clement but Swansea feels like a team that has lost its way.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
No. There are weaknesses to exploit – Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones are vulnerable and there will be a testing time in March because City want to win the Champions League more than anything and will throw the sink at that. But the rest all have greater weaknesses than them
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Manchester United. Yes, champions Chelsea have under-performed, but United spent in a way which should have delivered them swagger and self-expression. The black dog mood of Jose Mourinho, with his PSG flirtation to boot, is not helping one bit. Mourinho no longer inspires players
Who has been the best player so far?
No-one to touch Kevin De Bruyne of course. It’s his physical strength that they talk about behind the scenes. He has that capacity to control a game, the vision to bring others into it and the self-effacement which means he does not consider himself bigger than the rest
Who has been the best signing so far?
Mikel Merino, the Newcastle loanee, whom Rafa Benitez has monitored through the Spain youth ranks, does not have the complete game. Pace is the one aspect lacking. But his vision and ability on the ball has enabled him – a mere 21-year-old new to the English game - to become the cog of a moderate team
Which team has surprised you most?
Everton – a place of overwhelming self-belief when Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson arrived. We can talk about Ronald Koeman’s intransigent management with hindsight but no-one saw it coming. With wonderful English players in the ranks, no squad has under-performed to this degree.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Crystal Palace. The madness of attempting to reinvent the entire footballing ethos by replacing Sam Allardyce with Frank de Boer – the yin and yang of football management – always did look ludicrous. We’ve not seen the lift in results expected from Roy Hodgson. They’ve gone.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Yes, Spurs. City still have to play them twice and the destination of the title could well hinge on the outcome of those matches. December will test City, when they face Manchester United, Spurs and travel to Newcastle and Crystal Palace between Christmas and New Year, a period when all sorts of results are thrown up. This title race is far from over.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
In terms of my own expectations, Liverpool and Arsenal have not disappointed, because I didn’t expect much from them anyway. But you’d have to go for Liverpool in terms of looking at a team and thinking, ‘Can they challenge for the title?’. Klopp should have had them in better shape than this by now. Yes, they’ll thrill us all with 4-1 victories at West Ham every now and again, but they’ll come up short against the likes of City, Spurs and Chelsea and will have too many draws against the lesser sides.
Who has been the best player so far?
If anyone returns an answer other than Kevin De Bruyne we should demand a full explanation - it’s that simple, he’s exceptional, by some distance the best player in the division.
Who has been the best signing so far?
I will pick a player on my North-East patch as I’ve seen more of Newcastle than anyone else. Mikel Merino only cost around £6.5million from Borussia Dortmund but already team-mates are talking of him being good enough for Real Madrid or Barcelona. The Spain Under-21 midfielder is a class act - enjoy him in the Premier League while it lasts!
Which team has surprised you most?
Brighton, albeit a pleasant surprise. What is most impressive is that they’ve recovered from a sticky start (one point from first three games) and now look comfortable in eighth, four points off fifth. Chris Hughton has his players working for him and he is a manager who earns respect rather than demanding he be afforded it. They’ll be fine.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
West Ham. I saw first hand what David Moyes did at Sunderland - he joined a sinking ship and drilled another hole. They should have enough quality to get out of trouble, but I fear they’ve made a mistake in their choice of boss.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
It’s still possible. City are breaking a lot of records, but no team has ever won the title in November. Pep Guardiola’s side look a formidable force right now and it’s hard to detect a chink in their armour. But injuries strike, form dips and even the best can lose confidence. It might look like it’s going one way but let’s wait and see.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Until a couple of weeks ago, I would probably have said Chelsea. But Manchester United’s dull performance in a draw at Liverpool followed by away defeats by Huddersfield and Chelsea has put a different complexion on their early-season form.
Those four-goal victories have vanished as the quality of opposition has improved, and talk of Jose Mourinho always winning the title in his second season has suddenly gone very quiet.
United have been efficient in the Champions League, and their domestic form would probably look more respectable if it wasn’t for City’s scintillating start. Mourinho is not alone there.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. Who else? In a City team playing some breathtaking football this season, De Bruyne has shone through.
Some of his passing - the weight and the vision - is simply outstanding. The reverse pass to Leroy Sane against Stoke has been highlighted, and rightly so, but there is a whole showreel to choose from.
De Bruyne doesn’t just make goals either. There have been some excellent, and crucial, goals against Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal as well.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Again, up to a few weeks ago you could have put forward a good argument for Romelu Lukaku. United’s new £75m striker made a flying start, but his barren spell has coincided with the team’s drop in form.
Instead, you can’t look much further than Ederson Moraes in terms of a player who has had such an important impact on his team. For all City’s attacking zest, their new £35m goalkeeper has brought a stability and dimension to the side that was lacking with Claudio Bravo last season.
Ederson’s command of his box has helped bring the best out of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, and his distribution is key to the way Guardiola wants his team to play.
Which team has surprised you most?
I predicted that Watford would be the surprise package this season under Marco Silva so I can’t now say that their impressive start has surprised me.
So it would have to be Burnley. To be in seventh place after winning away to Chelsea and drawing at Tottenham and Liverpool is an outstanding achievement. No wonder the likes of Everton and West Ham have looked at Sean Dyche, but you couldn’t blame him for wanting to continue his fine work at Turf Moor.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Swansea’s lack of goals has to be a concern. They lost Fernando Llorente and Gylfi Sigurdsson in the summer and haven’t really replaced them.
Wilfried Bony is not the same player who left the Liberty Stadium for Manchester City in 2015, even when he is fit. Tammy Abraham has scored four of Swansea’s seven league goals but it’s asking too much of the youngster on loan from Chelsea to shoulder the goalscoring burden for a Premier League team heading for a relegation battle.
Swansea have been in decline for a while now, and I fear it will catch up with them this season.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Nope. The obvious obstacle would be injuries, but their squad is so strong that not even an epidemic would halt their charge to the title
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
No surprises here: Arsenal. The club’s malaise is nothing new. With a full-strength first XI they can break back into the top four. But it simply won’t happen. Players don’t want to be there, staff are coasting. Nothing will change until the manager does.
Who has been the best player so far?
Raheem Sterling. We all thought Sterling would be the fall guy following Pep Guardiola’s spending spree. Instead, the England star has risen to the challenge. He’s undroppable. Goals, assists. A brilliant start to the season.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Kyle Walker. People laughed when City splashed £52m on a right back. But they’ve got a brilliant one - one of the best in the world.
Which team have surprised you most?
Watford. Hate to say I told you so, but if you look at my season predictions you’ll find I forecasted that the Hornets would pull up a tree or two. Marco Silva has got Watford organised and all pulling in the same direction. The Portuguese is destined for bigger and better things, Watford should enjoy him while they can.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
The smart money says Crystal Palace. Four points, four goals represents a meagre return. But I’m still backing Roy Hodgson to dig his hometown club out of trouble. Swansea, though, look like they are in for another slog of a season.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Nobody can and I hope they continue to trailblaze through the season. If they’re playing close to you, buy a ticket. I had the privilege to cover Newcastle under Kevin Keegan (goals, no trophies) and, especially, United under Sir Alex Ferguson (goals and trophies). This City team of entertainers is heading that way too. The goals and trophies version.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Liverpool because of their erratic inconsistencies. They were brilliant at West Ham with dazzling, attacking high-speed football, albeit against a very poor and demoralised side. They need to do it more often, or they will finish fifth. And there is too much offensive talent in the side for that.
Who has been the best player so far?
The player of the season has been Kevin De Bruyne. What a wonderful talent. Unselfish, powerful, visionary.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Mo Salah has made an instant impact at Liverpool. Chelsea flop? No, Chelsea’s loss.
Which team has surprised you most?
Brighton. I saw them win 3-0 at West Ham and they were excellent. It wasn’t a backs-to-the-wall win, it was controlled and devastating. Chris Hughton deserves more praise.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Huddersfield have had a few very good results but I think they will get sucked in. Palace look doomed, although there is an improvement under Roy Hodgson. West Ham need to be very careful.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Yes. It’s November. Plenty can happen. Their defence hasn’t been properly tested and when it is, other teams may feel they too can have a go. That said, is it probable that they win the league? Of course. Only United have the resources to get near them and Tottenham the team. Neither seem quite up to it at the moment.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Arsenal. Except that they are always a disappointment these days, so it was hardly a shock. But it is frustrating that the ‘catalyst for change’ summer morphed into ‘same old, same old’ summer. Even something as basic as selling Alexis Sanchez and buying Thomas Lemar would at least have been a change. The narrative around Arsenal is more or less the same as it has been for eight years, yet more painful than before as they eke half-hearted final seasons out of Mesut Ozil and Sanchez.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. But Harry Kane runs him pretty close and David Silva, Christian Eriksen and Mohamed Salah deserve a mention.
Who has been the best signing so far?
We’re taking value into account, so Pascal Gross has to be on the list. Mohammed Salah is a (kind of) newcomer too and has to be up there. Nemanja Matic was the most-strategic, undermining Chelsea and strengthening United in one smart move. But Chelsea seem to have got the better of the Alvaro Morata/Romelu Lukaku scramble. Overall though, simply because it’s been relatively unheralded and yet is probably the most-significant change at City: Ederson.
Which team has surprised you most?
In a bad way, West Brom, as I thought they had signed well in the summer. But more positively, Huddersfield. Not a complete surprise: I thought David Wagner’s style would shock teams and it has. And I thought they’d make a good fight of it; but ultimately, go down. They still could, of course, but it looks less and less likely.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Impossible to say they’re doomed but Swansea look most vulnerable to me. With Roy Hodgson’s experience, there is always hope for Crystal Palace. Swansea looks to be a club slowly unravelling. You can’t keep playing Russian roulette with relegation and always dodge the bullet. Even Sunderland went down eventually.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Tough to envisage now. I did think Manchester United would maintain their challenge but their limited away performances combined with City’s irrepressible momentum look set to combine for one conclusion. Pep Guardiola’s team are a level above and an unbeaten Premier League season is growing in potential. Such are their attacking options it will be a freak result if a team manages to score more.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
You would say Arsenal but then again their form could be telegraphed a long way off, so it is not really a disappointment. In that case, perhaps harsh given their second place, it is United. Having signed well in the summer and with Jose Mourinho entering his typically successful second season the displays at Liverpool, Huddersfield and Chelsea speak to old problems unsolved.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne has been pretty peerless. Big goals against Chelsea and Arsenal are the jewels in a crown that is built from six assists and many more chances created. It is the way he knits City’s team together and always looks to get on the ball, never shirking. Should Leroy Sane continue his blistering form of recent weeks he may challenge his team-mate come the end of the campaign.
Who has been the best signing so far?
To unlock the ideals Guardiola aspires for his team, Ederson’s purchase has been crucial. The Brazilian may not pull off the wonder saves of David de Gea but he has made important stops and is so much more composed than Claudio Bravo, enabling City to play from the back with far greater confidence. For £36.9million, Mo Salah’s arrival at Anfield also looks superb business after seven goals, three assists, and a growing influence.
Which team has surprised you most?
Without a doubt Brighton. They seemed certainties for relegation despite Chris Hughton’s ability because the squad did not appear to have anywhere near enough. But Hughton has wrought performances from the likes of Glenn Murray and Shane Duffy, unearthed a gem in Pascal Gross, and structured his team to pick up consistent results.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Crystal Palace’s performances have picked up under Roy Hodgson but it is still only one win, one draw, and five losses from his seven games in charge. If Wilfried Zaha doesn’t score, Palace lose and that is a lot of pressure for one player. They are six points off safety already and need another nine or 10 wins from 27 games. A tall order. Swansea are also in a mess.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Difficult to imagine anyone catching them. Not only are City playing fluent and fabulous football, they are also settled and the club seems to be united in spirit unlike some of their closest rivals. It will take a big shock (perhaps injury to one of the irreplaceable players such as Ederson, Stones or De Bruyne) to knock them from their stride.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Arsenal: no serious progress made in the areas where they needed to improve, no solution to the Sanchez and Ozil questions and no clear plan discernible.
Who has been the best player so far?
Harry Kane. Growing into the responsibility of a leader at Tottenham. Impeccable attitude. Still scoring goals.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Ederson: young, relatively unheralded and a risky move after the Claudio Bravo farce but his quality and courage has enabled Pep Guardiola to make the forward step he’s taken at Man City.
Which team has surprised you most?
Burnley: Only two defeats from 11 games, beaten Chelsea away and drawn at Liverpool and Spurs; and only three points from the top four. Didn’t expect them to be in trouble under Sean Dyche but didn’t expect them to be challenging for Europe.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Palace: they will improve under Hodgson and have a key run of eight games before Christmas which will determine their chances - but they have already squandered a lot of points and have no goal scorer.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
No. No chance. I don’t envisage for one minute that Pep Guardiola will go through the season unbeaten - he had a similar start at Bayern Munich two years ago when taking 40 points from the first 42 - but they will finish in first place by a distance. They are a fabulous team and deserve the moniker of champions.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Difficult question to answer, really. Apart from Tottenham and Manchester City, the other four have all had troubles at some point in the opening months. At a push, I’d say Chelsea have been the biggest let down for the simple reason is that all the bad elements - managerial bickering, upheaval in the background, player rifts - are resurfacing.
Who has been the best player so far?
I’d imagine the unanimous choice will be Kevin De Bruyne, who looks like he is going to win the PFA Player of the Year award in the same emphatic fashion his team will win the title. For variety, let’s go for Harry Kane. He is fabulous, one of Europe’s most deadly strikers. A joy to watch.
Who has been the best signing so far?
I have seen more of him than anyone else so I’m going to pick Mohamed Salah. I felt Liverpool had vastly overpaid when they signed off his £40m transfer but he has been absolutely outstanding with a glut of goals. He needs to score in a defining game but he has given Liverpool’s attack a welcome dimension.
Which team have surprised you most?
Huddersfield. With the money they have spent and the resources they have available, they should be in the bottom three. But they have spirit, an excellent young manager and the atmosphere at the John Smith’s Stadium is invaluable. It is fantastic to see them towards mid-table and I hope they stay up.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Sorry to say it but I fear for Swansea. They have battled relegation for three years and this time they won’t make the cut.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Injuries and fatigue. Other than that, no. Pep Guardiola keeps warning of the ghosts of last season, when a similarly impressive start ended in tears. His squad is now bigger and better. There should be no repeat this time around.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Manchester United. Yes, the 4-0 wins over limited opposition were something we have not seen from a United side for a while. But the 0-0 draw at Liverpool and the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea have taken the edge off their start and hinted strongly that this could be a season of dull anti-climax at Old Trafford.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. Unbelievable. The Belgian has this knack of spotting passes that nobody else can see. Yes, he may give the ball away from time to time, but his ability to unlock defences is a precious commodity.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Ederson. The joke is that Guardiola could play his goalkeeper in midfield. Ederson has incredible distribution but his ability to stop shots, a luxury City did not have last season, has also made a big difference.
Which team have surprised you most?
In a good way, Brighton and Huddersfield. I expected both would start well, but I did not expect to see them in eighth and 10th. Credit must go to both managers. In a bad way, Crystal Palace. I honestly thought Frank de Boer would be a success, and take them back into mid-table. He may have done so, had he been given a chance.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Swansea City. I said at the start of the season that I expected Craig Shakespeare and Paul Clement to be gone by Christmas and I think that prediction may still come true. The problems at the Liberty Stadium go beyond the dugout and – even if Clement departs – I cannot see this season ending with anything other than relegation.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
It’s looking more and more ominous for the chasing pack. While an eight-point deficit is by no means insurmountable and City will have a blip at some stage, the way they’re playing at the moment means it is increasingly difficult to see anybody catching them. I can see them winning the title in some style.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Once again Chelsea have failed to harness the momentum from winning the title and pick up where they left off the following season. Three league defeats already has knocked them out of their stride and the current rumours of dressing-room discord against Antonio Conte were just inevitable. History seems to be repeating itself from Jose Mourinho’s second spell.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne has been the stand-out player, even in such a ridiculously talented Manchester City side. But having said that, Raheem Sterling hasn’t been too far behind, which shows the positive impact Pep Guardiola has had on the England man. His finishing and chance creation has come on leaps and bounds.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Credit has to go to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, who has clicked immediately into Jurgen Klopp’s manner of playing and bought into what the German wants to achieve at Anfield. It’s especially impressive after failing to make an impression in the Premier League at Chelsea. His goals return of 12 in all competitions also puts him as the equal of the £70m+ forwards like Romelu Lukaku or Alvaro Morata for half the price.
Which team has surprised you most?
I think Burnley have been absolutely superb, bringing a no-fear approach to matches against the top six whose resources and spending power completely dwarf their own. They’ve also been impressive in the way they have cured their travel sickness from last season and aren’t so reliant on playing at Turf Moor. Honorary mentions for Brighton and Huddersfield, who look right at home in the top flight.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
I would back all of the teams currently in the bottom three to get out of trouble if they can string a few results together. I think it will be a fascinating battle for survival and I can’t see one or two clubs being completely cut adrift. Also, this could be the season an established name - such as Everton - suffer the indignity of relegation.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
We’ve seen too many swings in previous years to rule anything out. City overhauled an eight-point gap on United in 2012 when they were only six games left! Having said that, it’s unlikely and would need Pep Guardiola’s defensive achilles heel to flare up big time.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
You’d say Arsenal except anyone watching them over the past few years would know they are in gradual decline so it’s no surprise they are the weakest of the big six. You’d have hoped Chelsea would have learned the lessons of a poor title defence but it appears they haven’t, disappointing for their fans
Who has been the best player so far?
A lot of very good players have been playing very well but right here, right now you’d have to say Kevin De Bruyne has been the pick, his combination of energy and class has symbolised City’s rocket start to the season. He’d be the footballer of the season if voting took place today
Who has been the best signing so far?
Aaron Mooy was great on loan in the Championship last season but who’d have thought he’d have this kind of influence for Huddersfield in the Premier League following his £8m move from Manchester City. Just shows you don’t have to pay stupid money for very good players
Which team has surprised you most?
Big hats off to Brighton so far. They have been outstanding defensively with Lewis Dunk a huge revelation. Chris Hughton didn’t make many headlines in the transfer window but has proved work on the training ground is as valuable as work in the boardroom, even at Premier League level
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
The fast starts made by all three promoted clubs plus Burnley have increased the likelihood of at least one, maybe two, more established Premier League sides falling through the trapdoor. Fourteen clubs will be worried about staying up and it should be an amazing scramble for survival. Nobody is doomed yet but Crystal Palace will go unless they buy goals in January.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Food poisoning? A coup in Abu Dhabi that forces Sheik Mansour to withdraw all funding? An injury crisis that wipes out Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling? On the stunning evidence so far, the title will be theirs, and in style. What Guardiola is creating is beyond money. It goes without saying, he wouldn’t be able to do this without a lot of money - this is the most expensive squad in history. He wouldn’t be doing this with Stoke, for example. But he’s also moulded his immense resources into something that is starting to look genuinely extraordinary.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
A toss-up between Chelsea and Arsenal, by a process of elimination that City are thrilling, Manchester United were initially rampant and there’s more to come, Tottenham are thrilling and Liverpool capable of being thrilling. Chelsea and Arsenal look like top-four contenders, not actual contenders.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. This doesn’t need any explanation. As a side note, it is worth reiterating that he is one of far too many players who Chelsea thought, in relatively recent times, were worth letting go. I wrote about the ups and downs of their ‘farm’ system and its pitfalls earlier this season.
Who has been the best signing so far?
While some of Manchester City’s signings are doing better than I expected (Ederson, for a start) and others have been good (Mendy before his injury), their pre-summer stars are the ones really shining. So not a City player. Romelu Lukaku has been good and will prove worth his fee when he gets back on the boil. But it’s Mo Salah at Liverpool who pips it at this stage. It’s not an original observation but if only Liverpool had a defence…
Which team has surprised you most?
Burnley, not least their away form. I didn’t necessarily expect them to struggle but I certainly didn’t think they’d be halfway safe before mid-November. Among the struggling teams, Palace and West Ham are not surprising (the trend was there last season) but Everton really have had a shocker, not least given the money that Ronald Koeman spent.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
I said in the pre-season predictions that I thought all the promoted teams would survive and I’m sticking with that, so none of them. Palace are obvious favourites to fall. And they will be joined by two others from the current bottom eight.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
I can’t see it. Manchester City have had a season under Pep Guardiola, getting to know his intricate style of play and learning to execute it on the pitch and they are deploying it to devastating effect this season. None of their rivals look like forming any kind of real challenge to them, bar Tottenham.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Arsenal - same old problems, season after season, and only one mainstay: Arsene Wenger. I love what the Frenchman has done for football but it feels time for him to step aside and enjoy retirement.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne has been sensational. Mostly in his creation of goals but he has been the finisher on occasion, too. He’s the Premier League’s most complete player. Brilliant to watch, live or on TV.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Pascal Gross, of Brighton. He has been involved in 70 per cent of Brighton’s goals this season as they have defied expectations and surprised opponents. From relative obscurity in the Bundesliga at Ingolstadt he is becoming one of the best attacking midfielders in the league. And he only cost £3m. A brilliant coup for manager Chris Hughton and his team. Will they be able to keep him?
Which team have surprised you most?
Burnley continue to win games you don’t expect them to. They have modestly gone about their business and stuck with manager Sean Dyche through ups and downs and it is paying off. They deserve every success.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Crystal Palace are already slipping behind and I don’t believe they have the right manager to keep them up.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
Yes. It will take a hell of a lot of doing, but yes. This is a frightening level of football they’re playing and the Premier League title should follow, but they have to avoid burning out. It isn’t over until the fat lady sings but the other clubs have to step up, keep it a race until May.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
I had higher hopes for Chelsea. Antonio Conte keeps pointing fingers at a disappointing summer but it is not as if the Premier League champions did not spend. They got £70m Alvaro Morata and simply had to beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to stay in the title race.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. No contest. He’s been operating on levels that only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are used to. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers. As soon as he gets the ball, his team-mates sprint into space like bats out of hell, because they know he will find them. Brilliance.
Who has been the best signing so far?
There have been a few who have significantly improved their teams – such as Mohamed Salah for Liverpool – but £35m Ederson has been a smart buy by Manchester City. Their goalkeeper problem was back-page news last season. Those worries have gone.
Which team has surprised you most?
Watford. I wasn’t overly sold on Marco Silva when he left Hull for the Hornets. Yet they are flying. They should not have let a 2-0 lead slip at Everton at the weekend, so there is still work to be done, but they’ve looked impressive.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Swansea. They have young talent in Tammy Abraham and Renato Sanches but will the Chelsea and Bayern Munich loanees be up for the relegation fight later in the season? My money is on no. They lost to Brighton at the weekend with a whimper, not a bang.
Can anybody - or anything - stop Manchester City winning the title?
No. The only question with Manchester City is whether they are going to win the Champions League like they are the Premier League. Even a major injury crisis would still see City using players most other sides can only dream of. And Pep Guardiola’s capacity to astonish keeps growing. Whisper it, but a genuine contender for the Treble.
Which of the ‘big six’ has been the biggest disappointment?
Chelsea, but not because of Antonio Conte. How have they done it again? Every time they win the title their recruitment falls off a cliff and the manager suddenly finds himself under pressure with a squad that is not fit for purpose. They demolished the league last season and are now down in fourth, nine points behind Manchester City. Michael Emenalo’s departure might solve this problem in the future.
Who has been the best player so far?
Kevin De Bruyne. He is the player that every coach in the country wishes they had in their team. The Belgian is magnificent on the ball and works hard off it. Someone should start compiling his passing highlights now, because come the end of the campaign there will be too many to count.
Who has been the best signing so far?
Mohamed Salah. No one expected a player who struggled at Chelsea to hit the ground running as he has at Liverpool. Only Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane have scored more goals than him so far in the Premier League – he has seven – and he has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. A relative steal at under £40m too.
Which team has surprised you most?
Burnley. Sean Dyche should be given the freedom of the David Fishwick Stand for his time at Turf Moor. The fact a club working with their budget are level with Liverpool and Arsenal on points is absolutely ludicrous. After last season it seemed hard to see how they’d stay up, never mind improve. They’ve managed it and, if Dyche stays, could progress even further.
And which team do you think are doomed for the drop?
Swansea City. This feels like the same story as every season but that was the case for Sunderland and we all know what happened to them last campaign. Their recruitment in the summer was poor and aside from Tammy Abraham, they have no match winners. Renato Sanches has been questionable. Crystal Palace will improve as time goes by under Roy Hodgson, but Paul Clement might have already peaked.
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