Cheer up, football fans – the September international break isn’t the end of the world.
There are some self-healing positives to take. For example, there is ample time to reflect on the season so far. Which teams should be happy with results and performances to this point? Who should be a little concerned? Does anyone need to be reaching for the panic button?
Here’s what we at 90min think…
Position: 4th
Points: 7
Takeaway: The solid base is wobbling
Arsenal’s 2023/24 title charge was built atop one of the strongest backlines in the modern history of the Premier League.
Boasting several gigantic defenders who love defending, it became nearly impossible to score against the Gunners.
And though Mikel Arteta’s men have conceded only once so far this term, cracks are slowly showing – Aston Villa got at them time after time, while Brighton & Hove Albion found space even before Declan Rice‘s controversial red card.
Maybe that’s part of the give-and-take in Arsenal’s quest to be more attacking, particularly in games against stronger opposition. It may just take a while to adjust to that tweak, particularly with trips to Tottenham and Manchester City on the horizon.
2. Aston Villa
Position: 7th
Points: 6
Takeaway: Jhon Duran must come off the transfer list for good
We all know Jhon Duran wanted to leave Aston Villa this summer. We all know he was available for £40m. We all saw him do the West Ham ‘irons’ gesture on video.
It turns out there’s a reason why Villa were so steep on that figure. The guy is a gem of a striker. At only 20 years of age, he has enormous potential, and the club should be doing all they can to keep him.
Position: 8th
Points: 5
Takeaway: Tactical nous making up for Dominic Solanke shortfall
The sale of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham could have ended Bournemouth’s season before it even started, but they are unbeaten heading into September.
The Cherries have staged two late comebacks on their travels – notably beating Everton 3-2 when they were two goals down until the 87th minute – and they cruelly denied a last-minute winner against Newcastle.
There is a collective effort on the south coast being led by manager Andoni Iraola that isn’t going unnoticed.
Position: 6th
Points: 6
Takeaway: We are watching a ‘streets won’t forget’ partnership before our very eyes
Forget Ivan Toney. He’s old news.
Let’s appreciate the duo of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo instead. You’ll be watching compilations of these guys for years to come.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion
Position: 3rd
Points: 7
Takeaway: There is life after Roberto De Zerbi
12 months ago, Brighton were a Europa League club and their manager was linked with every top job on the continent.
Both the Seagulls and Roberto De Zerbi’s stock then fell, but the south coast club have looked reinvigorated under Fabian Hurzeler – the youngest manager in Premier League history.
Position: 11th
Points: 4
Takeaway: Enzo Maresca is cutting through the noise
Four points from three games and a narrow aggregate win against Servette in the play-off round of the UEFA Conference League doesn’t scream ‘amazing start’ for Chelsea and new head coach Enzo Maresca.
But in the context of the Blues’ project, he’s had a pretty decent beginning to life at Stamford Bridge. He has been ruthless with his overstuffed playing squad, quickly instilled a possession-based brand of football and is continuing to develop the best of their vast young crop.
Position: 16th
Points: 1
Takeaway: Shrewd business could save Crystal Palace’s European hopes
There was widespread interest in Crystal Palace’s star men this summer, but their only noteworthy departure was that of Michael Olise.
They also sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham, though have filled that void with Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah.
In lieu of Olise, Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr could make up for his exit.
A job well done down at Selhurst Park.
Position: 20th
Points: 0
Takeaway: Please think of the troubled Everton fans in your life at this time
I mean this in the least disrespectful way possible – if you don’t support Everton, you should be thankful.
9. Fulham
Position: 12th
Points: 4
Takeaway: Marco Silva’s construction of Arsenal ‘B’ is a team built for the 2000s
Marco Silva’s Fulham have been among the Premier League’s most entertaining teams since their return to the top flight in 2023.
Revolving around a cast of flair players will always have flaws, but will equally make you a team for the neutral.
The additions of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson will appeal to those in both west and north London.
Position: 17th
Points: 1
Takeaway: Keep your eyes on Liam Delap
Listen. At some point, England are going to have to plan for life without Harry Kane. The problem is there aren’t many prospective young strikers breaking through.
That leaves an opening for Liam Delap to burst into. The son of the great Rory scored a belter in Ipswich’s draw to Fulham on Saturday and has been tipped for success. If his goals help keep the Tractor Boys up, a Three Lions call-up could await.
Position: 15th
Points: 1
Takeaway: A season of suffering awaits
Following their 2015/16 title, Leicester fans have at least been able to dine off their team playing an attractive brand of football, particularly during the Brendan Rodgers and Enzo Maresca eras.
Well, given the Foxes’ financial struggles and status as a newly-promoted team, they won’t be seeing that kind of fun for a while.
Instead, Steve Cooper is in here to push the club back from the brink of crisis. It’ll be about digging in dirty and scrapping for points. Hey, come May, that could be fun in a different way.
Position: 2nd
Points: 9
Takeaway: Arne Slot is the real deal
Whoever replaced Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool was always going to be judged pretty harshly, but Arne Slot has made a fantastic first impression.
At Feyenoord, Slot flexed his coaching muscle as one of the Eredivisie’s best improver of players as well as a tactical genius. So far in England, he is showing that these talents can scale up.
Despite Reds fans bemoaning their frustration at a quiet summer transfer window, they are still well-placed for success this year.
13. Manchester City
Position: 1st
Points: 9
Takeaway: Erling Haaland is, at least for now, the best player in the world
Until Kylian Mbappe starts consistently delivering for Real Madrid, we have to consider Erling Haaland as the world’s best player.
This scoring record is getting ridiculous.
Position: 14th
Points: 3
Takeaway: The club is stuck in purgatory until further notice
Should Manchester United have kept Erik ten Hag? You can make compelling cases either way.
In any case, part of the club’s new structure sounded out potential replacements for the Dutchman at the start of the summer, but decided they were better off sticking with what they have for now at least.
That’s completely understandable. If the right person isn’t out there, they simply aren’t out there. It just leaves United in a sticky position – Ten Hag probably isn’t the man to bring them sustainable glory, but there isn’t an ideal candidate to take his place either.
Position: 5th
Points: 7
Takeaway: Eddie Howe has done well to ignore England speculation and Newcastle doomsayers
Newcastle supporters were pretty downbeat on their summer business and hopes for the 2024/25 season. Eddie Howe, the good manager that he is, has brought a calming reassurance back to Tyneside.
If anything, that’ll make the FA only appreciate him more.
Position: 9th
Points: 5
Takeaway: Nuno Espirito Santo is building Wolves 2.0
There are some striking similarities between the Wolves and Nottingham Forest teams that have been managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.
His current side should be able to avoid relegation again if they keep to his blueprint.
Position: 19th
Points: 0
Takeaway: Yeah, these guys are in trouble
Russell Martin may enjoy people writing Southampton off, but this is happening for good reason and he faces a tough task of proving them wrong.
The Saints can’t defend particularly well and has scored just one goal on their return to the Premier League. I’m not a mathematician, but those numbers look bad.
18. Tottenham Hotspur
Position: 10th
Points: 4
Takeaway: Only Ange Postecoglou can determine how successful Tottenham will be
Much has been made of Tottenham’s inability to convert their chances, though their head coach is not exactly blameless either.
If Spurs are to challenge for trophies and return to the UEFA Champions League, they need to demonstrate they can at least be functional defensively. You know, maybe not be on the brink of conceding a goal with one straight pass every once in a while. It’s not much to ask.
19. West Ham United
Position: 13th
Points: 3
Takeaway: The process will take time
Julen Lopetegui is trying to change who West Ham have been for the last half-decade or so, turning them from one of the league’s most regressive teams to a progressive one.
That’s not going to happen overnight. The Hammers were busy in the transfer market and have done a sensational job in turning their squad over, but further patience is required.
Position: 18th
Points: 1
Takeaway: Lack of star power could spell trouble
After losing Pedro Neto to Chelsea, Wolves are a tad short of standout individual quality.
There are some cracking players still in their ranks such as Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but the Premier League is ruthless and relentless. Gary O’Neil may need his team to get scrappy to save themselves.
