Premier League Week 1 Power Rankings
The new Premier League season is under way. Defending champions Leicester stumbled, but how do the other 19 teams stack up?
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20. Crystal Palace
They gave up an unnecessary free kick leading to the goal that lost them the game, and Palace passed up too many opportunities otherwise. None of Connor Wickham’s three shots were on frame.
19. Burnley
In their first match following promotion, Burnley showed the familiar inconsistency which has led to their roller coaster ride in and out of the Premier League since 2009. They had some success early on down the left wing, as George Boyd and Stephen Ward showed marks of confidence.
18. Bournemouth
Considering how good Manchester United looked, the fact Bournemouth were able to scrape one back on an Adam Smith finish was a notable show of heart. Mere minutes after subbing on, Lewis Grabban notched a splendid assist.
17. Stoke City
Stoke have the talent to match up to a team like Middlesbrough, yet the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic were still not enough to keep them from dropping points at home. Shaqiri’s free kick effort was mighty clever.
16. Watford
Etienne Capoue’s early finish into the top corner took the air out of St. Mary’s Stadium. Though they were unable to hold the lead, Watford should consider the point they garnered a tremendous reward.
15. Middlesbrough
Unleashed from his spotty playing time over the last few years with Manchester City and Valencia, Alvaro Negredo showed a flash of brilliance when he headed in a terrific cross from Gaston Ramirez. It was good to see Victor Valdes actually playing as well.
14. Leicester
Everything that worked last season for Leicester came unraveled against Hull. Save Riyad Mahrez’s penalty, the defending champions retained little of their clinical form. In particular, Jamie Vardy looked perplexed, his scoring touch completely absent.
13. Swansea
New forward Fernando Llorente created numerous chances for Swansea, finishing with six shots in total, but it was Jefferson Montero who slotted home a rebound from one of Llorente’s shots, ensuring the three points for the Swans. Even without departed captain Ashley Williams, Swansea put on a strong all-around performance.
12. West Ham
Hammers fans will say Diego Costa should not have even been on the field when he scored the winner. Up to that point, West Ham had solidly disrupted Chelsea, forcing issues in the midfield and playing them out of their comfort zone. Andy Carroll and Dimitri Payet showcased excellent chemistry.
11. West Brom
West Brom got away with a win by exploiting Crystal Palace on a set piece, but even aside from the goal they had confidence. Irish national James McClean sent in a sparkling cross, and Salomon Rondon’s finish was the culmination of several good chances on the day.
10. Hull
The shock of the weekend was more lopsided than the 2-1 scoreline suggests. Sam Clucas organized the midfield with exceptional precision, and the Tigers seized upon their opportunities.
9. Sunderland
What many expected to be a cakewalk on Guardiola’s debut nearly turned into a nightmare as Sunderland found cracks in the City defense. Jermain Defoe looked strong, drawing his side level after having returned to full fitness just in time for the game.
8. Southampton
After going down early, Southampton recovered well to equalize while dominating possession, and they showed confidence thereafter. The Saints squandered several opportunities in the final moments, including a Nathan Redmond strike called back for offside.
7. Tottenham
Ross Barkley’s goal seemed to awake something in Spurs, who had early trouble keeping the ball. Though Kane failed to find a scoring touch, Erik Lamela deftly finished a Kyle Walker cross to capture valuable points away from home.
6. Everton
Barkley was lucky to have his cross find the corner of the net, but Everton did a great job of stopping Golden Ball winner Harry Kane just the same. Even in the second half, as Tottenham pressed hard and equalized, the Toffees counter attacks could easily have sunk Spurs.
5. Arsenal
The sheer scoring output should be cause for celebration among Arsenal fans, as the move to put Alexis Sanchez in the middle opened lanes on the wings. As a result, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were able to knock home a goal apiece. Calum Chambers’ goal of a free kick is the kind thing upon which Arsenal might have to rely as their squad gets healthy and fit, especially if Aaron Ramsey misses extended time.
4. Manchester City
But for the misplaced head of former United man Paddy McNair, City would have dropped points at home in Pep Guardiola’s Premier League debut. As it stood, though, it was better to be lucky than good. Raheem Sterling drew a penalty by virtue of his elusiveness in the box, and City had many chances on which they simply did not capitalize.
3. Chelsea
There were moments of doubt, but Diego Costa’s late strike into the lower left corner erased any disappointment in Antonio Conte’s debut with the club. Eden Hazard was the best player for over half the game, perplexing defenders and finding space with ease.
2. Liverpool
In the most exciting game of the opening weekend, Liverpool overcame a first half deficit with the help of two Philippe Coutinho goals. After withstanding a second half near-comeback, it seems Jurgen Klopp may finally have the squad he needs to mount a serious charge at the title.
Next: The Premier League is back!
1. Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s first fixture went precisely to plan, and even included a Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike from an impossible angle. Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney added to the fun, and the Red Devils looked as if they were in midseason form already.