Premier League Week 9 Power Rankings

Premier League action returns following the international break. With many top teams stumbling, how do the Power Rankings look? 

20. Sunderland (LW: 20)

Still winless through nine games, Sunderland’s efforts were spent mostly in desperate defense. If not for key West Ham misses and some questionable calls, it could have been much worse than a one-goal loss.

19. Middlesbrough (LW: 19)

Though they spent most of the day in defense, Middlesbrough’s counter looked dangerous at times. Gaston Ramirez’s free-kick unluckily clanked the post, but Boro salvaged quality points on the road.

18. Hull (LW: 16)

Set piece defending proved to be Hull’s downfall on the day. Poor clearances and a problematic foul led directly to the two conceded goals. Hull now sports the league’s worst goal difference.

17. Swansea (LW: 18)

In their second game with Bob Bradley at the helm, the Swans managed only a point, but it could have been worse. An almost entirely revamped defensive scheme led to Swansea’s first clean sheet for the first time in eight games, albeit without a goal on the other end.

16. Stoke (LW: 17)

Xherdan Shaqiri’s brace was marvelous, the first an upper ninety rifle and the second a splendid free-kick. The goals were Shaqiri’s first in the league since the first game of the season.

15. West Brom (LW: 10)

Though Liverpool’s opening goal was wonderful, the second was preventable, but for a poor Ben Foster clearance. Gareth McAuley’s finish off a corner made it a game, but it ended up being nothing more than consolation.

14. West Ham (LW: 15)

For all their team-level brilliance on the day, the Hammers lacked a finishing touch for most of the match. Finally, in stoppage time, Winston Reid provided the decisive strike, hitting with precision from outside the box.

13. Burnley (LW: 14)

After nearly conceding a disastrous opener, the Clarets got themselves together and took advantage of sloppy defense on the other end. Sam Vokes continued his fine form, and Burnley held off a vicious push to claim the three points.

12. Crystal Palace (LW: 9)

Steve Mandanda nearly spotted the opponents a goal with a poor pass early. The Eagles had several good opportunities on goal before Yohan Cabaye skipped one into the far post, but by then it was too late.

11. Leicester (LW: 13)

After rocketing a golden opportunity into the crowd, Ahmed Musa rebounded with a splendid strike from just outside the box. Despite Jamie Vardy’s continued run of poor play, the Lions have found offense elsewhere.

10. Southampton (LW: 11)

Following a succession of sluggish passes on the Manchester City backline, Nathan Redmond jumped at an opportunity and dodged several bullets on his way to a stunning opener. He has now scored in two consecutive league games.

9. Bournemouth (LW: 12)

By far the more prepared team, Bournemouth had several opportunities to jet ahead of Spurs, but to no avail. Having shaped into excellent form, the Cherries have not lost a league game in over a month.

8. Manchester United (LW: 7)

United’s defense was nonexistent for most of the match, often leaving David de Gea to helplessly fend for himself. Jose Mourinho has been less a manager and more an arbiter of frustration thus far at Old Trafford.

7. Watford (LW: 8)

Comfortable in the counterattack, the Hornets allowed Swansea several opportunities but not many good ones. While not the most alarming of concerns, Watford’s zero goal differential is indicative of their inability to generate reliable offense, which harms them against teams of every caliber.

6. Everton (LW: 4)

Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie nearly tripped over themselves on the way to Bolasie’s equalizer, but it was a strong counter nevertheless. The Toffees cannot afford to continue dropping points at this rate.

5. Tottenham (LW: 3)

Spurs were out of sorts, playing with such recklessness that they drew four yellow cards in the first half alone. A more disciplined second half nevertheless failed to yield a goal.

4. Arsenal (LW: 1)

Pressing all day, the Gunners simply could not find the finishing touch. Even in a manic final 10 minutes, Arsenal failed to break through, although Petr Cech’s keeping on the other end was necessarily spotless.

3. Chelsea (LW: 5)

Striking early and often, the Blues came out shimmering against Manchester United. Pedro’s opener reflected critical awareness, with Chelsea catching their opponents all out of sorts immediately after kickoff. From there, it was all Blues, now winners of three straight.

2. Manchester City (LW: 2)

Perhaps still shaken after a mid-week Champions League humiliation at the hands of Barcelona, City came out flat, giving up a lazy opener. Leroy Sane was released by a brilliant Fernandinho pass to tee up Kelechi Iheanacho for the equalizer.

1. Liverpool (LW: 6)

Undefeated since their second week shocker against Burnley, the Reds have been perplexing, maddening and, at times, brilliant. As usual, Philippe Coutinho was at the center of the win, helping set up the first goal and masterfully finishing the second. When they’re good, Liverpool are near-unbeatable.