The Premier League season kicked off with a number of surprises as well as a pretty good amount of predictability as well. Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham had no trouble opening their seasons on a winning note. However, the defending Premier League champions Chelsea were the victims of an upset loss that few would have predicted for the opening weekend. Here is a look at the EPL top five power rankings following Week 1 of the season.
1. Manchester City
Last Week: –
MLS Championship Betting Odds: +125
It took some time for Manchester City to break through against Brighton. However, it seemed like only a matter of time before Pep Guardiola’s side would break through and once they did the result was never in doubt. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in the 70th minute and an own goal from Lewis Dunk just five minutes later helped clinch the three points. City is the sports betting favorite to win it all this season. That didn’t change following a win in its opener, but a Week 2 clash with Everton should present a tougher challenge.
Man City was one of eight teams to post a clean sheet this week.
2. Manchester United
Last Week: –
MLS Championship Betting Odds: +275
Inconsistent performances at Old Trafford were a big reason why Jose Mourinho’s first season with United was a disappointment. It’s also one reason why Sunday’s 4-0 win over West Ham was so important. United dominated from the opening kick with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice while Paul Pogba delivered a sensational performance in a supporting role. Anthony Martial also made his mark along with another newcomer in Nemanja Matic. Mourinho has created an improved United club in his image. There is certainly plenty of reason for optimism following a convincing debut victory.
Man United had an impressive offensive outburst this week. They were one of two teams that managed to score four goals. That’s was the high mark in terms of offense for any team this week.
3. Chelsea
Last Week: –
MLS Championship Betting Odds: +750
The defending champs conjured up painful memories of its lastfailed title defense under Jose Mourinho two years ago with a stunning 3-2 loss to Burnley FC on Saturday. Antonio Conte’s side undoubtedly has the talent to repeat but the lack of flare in their opening loss could be cause for concern. It certainly won’t get any easier for Chelsea this week when they take on Tottenham. The Blues better turn things around in a hurry or they risk suffering a second straight defeat to open the campaign.
4. Tottenham
Last Week: –
MLS Championship Betting Odds: +800
Spurs definitely looks prepared for its highly anticipated clash with Chelsea following a 2-0 win over Newcastle in Week 1. Tottenham remained an outlier in an offseason of notable signings but their biggest stars led the way for them in their opener. Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane put on a clinic in a game that could have been much more lopsided than the final score indicated. After an impressive performance in their opener, all eyes will be on Spurs to see if they can build on that victory and send Chelsea to a second consecutive loss to open the season when they meet this Sunday.
5. Arsenal
Last Week: –
MLS Championship Betting Odds: +900
In perhaps the most thrilling and dramatic game of Week 1, Arsenal prevailed with a 4-3 win over Leicester City that provided plenty of highlight-reel moments. It didn’t take long for Gunners fans to start calling for Arsene Wenger’s head once again. However, he ended up earning some redemption with some smart substitutions including the introduction of Olivier Giroud off the bench. Aaron Ramsey tied the game in the 83rd minute and then it was Giroud that played hero in the 85th minute with the game-winning goal. Arsenal survived a tough test in a pressure-filled opener. Now they will look to build on the momentum of their comeback victory when they take on Stoke City on Saturday.
Arsenal tied with Manchester United for the best offensive output this season with four goals.
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