Barclays Premier League: The Season So Far

iSporter Ankit Sharma analyses till date performances of the Top 4 teams in the English Premier League.

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Chelsea look unstoppable while United and Arsenal run hard to keep up

The Barclays Premier League so far has lived up to its billing of one of the most competitive league in the world. As newly promoted Newcastle thrashed top-four contenders Aston Villa 6-0 at home and Everton make their worst start to a league campaign in 18 years and Liverpool begin life after Benitez and Mascherano, the new league season promises many twists and turn with a lot of unexpected results. Let us looks at the performance of top 4 sides.

Chelsea:

The reigning Champions have made an extra-ordinary start to the new season. After five games, Chelsea have already scored 21 goals and conceded just one. Although, all their matches have been against the bottom 5 clubs, this early form would have intimidated all other clubs.

The biggest possible reason for this could be the astute thinking of manager Carlo Ancelotti. Unlike previous seasons when Chelsea would look to buy every good player available, Ancelotti did not make too many additions to his squad. He now has a set of players who have played with each other for a few years and most of whom are at that point where they are young enough to be running and old enough to be experienced. However, with just 19 registered players, Chelsea could face problems if they face injuries to key players like Drogba, Essien or Cole.

Manchester United

Last year's runners up have made an indifferent start to the new campaign. In spite of dominating and outplaying their opponents in each and every match this season, the Red Devils have managed to drop four points from comfortably winning positions.

Having already faced tough matches like away to Fulham and Everton and home to Liverpool, United would be happy, though not satisfied with their performances so far.

The absence of Rio Ferdinand has hit United hard. With Evra still not having left behind a disappointing World Cup behind him and the right back position not settled, defensive weaknesses have haunted United so far. However, the biggest positive has been the devastating form of Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulagrian has shown the brilliance that made Spurs fans chant the famous "Berba King" liners. With the return of Ferdinand, Anderson and Rooney from injuries and form respectively, United can look forward to challenging Chelsea for the title.

Arsenal:

Arsenal have started the season in good stead. In spite of a disappointing first day, where they struggled against a 10-men Liverpool side, Arsenal have managed to hit the ground running. Fabregas seems to have put his desire to go to Barcelona behind him and is playing a crucial role at the heart of the Gunner's mid-field yet again.

Arsenal's game, as always, has been a treat to watch. However, they faced a huge setback when Van Persie got injured. Wenger did a great piece of business to bring in Chamakh on a free transfer but he is likely to take some time to adjust to the English game. The failure to get a good keeper could haunt Arsenal as the season moves on. So far so good for Arsenal, but isn't that how it always starts with Arsenal. They need to win some serious silverware this season to keep hold of Fabregas next summer (it still may not be enough). But this could provide the young Gunners some extra motivation this season.

Tottenham Hotspur:

Spurs' start to the season has been very inconsistent. A 0-0 draw at home with fellow top 4 contenders Man City wasn't the best possible start Harry Redknapp would have been hoping for. An away victory at Stoke was followed by a disappointing home loss to Wigan.

If Spurs are to keep their Champions League spot intact next season, they need to show more consistency. Injuries to key personnel Dawson, Defoe and Modric' hasn't helped their cause but a signing of the quality if Van der Vath on the deadline day must help them up their game. They showed tremendous fighting qualities against Wolves to win a game 3-1 when they were 0-1 down till the 76^th minute. They have to show similar qualities in the coming fixtures.