The rise of Southampton highlights the intrigue of the Premier League

The Premier League is, without a doubt, the most exciting domestic league in the world and the rise of Southampton, of all clubs, to fourth in the standings after seven rounds of matches goes to encapsulate the very essence of the league that has seen the title race becoming one of the most unpredictable and entertaining in recent memory.

When domestic football returns in a fortnight’s time following the international break, the South Coast side will travel to the North West to face the champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on the back of three wins on the bounce and having kept five clean sheets in seven matches, a remarkable feat for a club in just their second season back to the top flight after seven years in the doldrums.

A trip to the Theater of Dreams is a daunting experience for many teams but considering United have already suffered three defeats in new manager David Moyes’ first seven matches in charge, including a humbling 1-4 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Southampton will have a renewed hope sense of expectation and optimism.

“I always look forward to this kind of pressure in my career; it is what I thrive on, what I relish,” 

echoed manager Mauricio Pochettino following his side’s 2-0 win over Swansea City on Sunday.

“The players need to be a lot more self-demanding, very ambitious and learn how to withstand the great expectation that is being placed on them.”

And Southampton is not the only team outperforming their fans’ expectations, with Arsenal, rejuvenated by their record signing Mesut Ozil, sitting on top of the table after a rare Jack Wilshere strike securing a point for them against West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal were expected to struggle just like the previous seasons but following their opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa, they have not lost a match and now lead Liverpool on goal difference at the summit.

It is a sheer sign that the club is going in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers that the Liverpool manager snapped as they beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at home on Sunday.

“I was probably as disappointed as I've ever been because we played counter-attack football and we didn't keep the ball so well,” said the former Swansea City boss to the club website.

Major Doubts

West Ham United’s 3-0 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane and Manchester City’s reversal against the likes of Cardiff City and Aston Villa has reinforced the fact that nothing can be taken for granted in the Premier League.

Everton has also started their campaign in flying colors under new manager Roberto Martinez, having remained unbeaten for their first six games, which included a 1-0 win over Chelsea before losing to Manchester City last weekend and Hull City, while Hull City, many pundits’ favorites to go straight down have also surprised many taking 11 points and sit one place above Manchester United in the standings.

“I think the league will be open until the end,” according to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

“Some teams are being helped by the fixtures, because some fixtures are more difficult than others. I think Manchester United had the most difficult ones, playing at home against Chelsea, away against Liverpool and Manchester City.”

“Some other teams not so much. By the end of November, beginning of December, everybody basically played everyone and then we will find someone in a better situation than others. But I believe this is a situation that could go all the way with big doubts about positions and that is good.”

However, it will be difficult for the pace setters at this early stage of the season have what it takes to sustain their challenge.

“People are saying it is the most open Premier League for years but, as far as I am concerned, the favorites at the start are still the favorites - the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea,” said former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen.

“Early on in the season, teams will start slowly and others like Southampton start really well. The table only starts to tell a story when we are 15-20 games in,” added Welshman John Hartson.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the FootballWorld fraternity and represents the personal views of the writer and not of footballworld.co.in.
Posted by Subham Mitra on behalf of FootballWorld.