THE BIG SIX - THE PREMIER LEAGUE

By Kammesh Atputhajeyam

In the top fight, we have the top six teams, constantly winning silverware and qualifying for major competitions. These well-known top six teams are Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham. At this moment in time, 5 of these teams are in their expected positions, however Manchester United are down in eighth place. Manchester United haven't been doing well due to their manager, Jose Mourinho.

Let us begin with, the current leaders of the Premier League: Manchester City on 32 points – still undefeated. They have done extraordinarily so far, despite losing their key playmaker (Kevin De Bruyne) to injury. Laporte and Stones have been a bizarre yet impenetrable partnership at the back. David Silva has been carrying the midfield on his back, regularly creating assists and linking up play nicely with the former Monaco man Bernardo Silva. Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo have been an unstoppable trio, always producing goals. Gabriel Jesus even scored his first hattrick for the squad.

Liverpool are currently in second place, moving up one position from last week. They obliterated Huddersfield, secured a calm draw with Arsenal and defeated Fulham with no problems: 2-0. Jurgen Klopp is generally happy with his squad; especially, his full backs and the amount of talent in his midfield with the likes of Keita and Fabinho and a defensive Milner. Salah is starting to mirror his goal-scoring image from last season. If Man City fall up, could Liverpool sneak into first place?

In third place, doing fantastically, is Chelsea. Sarri has really turned the team around and Eden Hazard is proving to be EPL Player of the Year. Although shaky at the start, Kepa Arrizabalaga has proven to be a useful signing after the departure of Thilbaut Cortouis for £35 million. The switching between two world-class strikers of Morata and Giroud has shown to be refreshing for the team. Hazard has quoted: "I'm tired but I'm really enjoying myself." Potentially, they could be aiming for a Champions League quarter or semi-final."

Tottenham, despite making no signings over the summer, are in a respectable fourth position on 27 points. They were victorious over Wolves and defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 thanks to Foyth's header. Lamela has really stepped himself up this season and Harry Kane has bagged himself an amazing 6 goals. Nothing too bad and nothing overly impressive with the squad: let's hope for a better Champions League campaign.

Arsenal will definitely be in the top 3 for next season because the players have taken quite some time to adapt to Unai Emery's style of attacking and counter – attacking play. Now that is in full effect with Lacazette and Aubameyang collaborating effortlessly together with the latter on 7 goals; this is showing how Arsenal is suited to looking for short passes and moving around to find game-changing opportunities.  In the upcoming transfer window, Arsenal should purchase a versatile midfielder: perhaps Rakitic or Veratti because of how they can pass so effortlessly but still maintain their position.

Now, we come to the team who hasn't done so well. Manchester United – otherwise known as the Red Devils – who have really disappointed the fans this campaign. They succumbed to an unrelenting Manchester City, losing 3-1. The Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho saga still continues. The team is unorganised and lost. With no offence to the tactics but Ander Herrera playing center back. Fred, in my opinion, was a fantastic signing but Jose doesn't know how to use him. He is gambling with a prodigy's career here. Europa League would be a stretch. In a future article, I will expand on how this saga has brought down the reputation of the club. 

The top six are really establishing their identity this season and it's good to see (for the most part). Hopefully, these teams will continue to expand and grow further. The football that these teams have produced is very entertaining and they are making the Premier League a benchmark for other leagues to look up to. You never know who will dominate and who will collapse.