Comparing the Start of this Premier League Season to the Previous One

The Premier League was first launched in season 1992/93. It followed the decision by the teams in the old First Division to break away from the Football League.

Since then, it has grown to become a phenomenal success and financial powerhouse, with a global audience. Every new season is anticipated feverishly by fans of the 20 clubs in England and other parts of the world too.

Fans lap up every second, but many also like to bet on the outcomes of the matches or the title and relegation battles at one of the top online betting providers. That will start again now the season is up and running and we have an idea of how teams might fare.

So how does the start of this season look in comparison with 2022/23?

The Top

The first thing to note about the top of the table is that it has a similar look to it. Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal make up three of the current top four places and all of those teams got off to good starts last year too.

Reigning champions Manchester City have looked particularly formidable so far. They have a 100% record and the idea that they will not be serious contenders for a fourth successive title already looks fanciful.

They have produced one of the biggest wins to now, beating Fulham 5-1, but arguably Newcastle in week two is the only time they have faced another possible title contender. And Newcastle have been performing way below expectations.

Arsenal have bounced back from last season’s title disappointment to start well again this year too. They got a small measure of revenge by beating City in the Community Shield and, with new midfielder Declan Rice, are looking like they can at least compete for the title again.

At this time last season, they had a perfect record, but we all know how that ended for them. The matches against fellow title contenders City and Tottenham that they have coming soon will provide a clearer picture of whether their positive early form can be sustained.

No one knew what to expect from Tottenham under their new manager, but they are comfortably matching last season’s start. Ange Postecoglou won Manager of the Month for August after steering his side to an unbeaten start.

Last year Tottenham got off to a seven-game undefeated start, as well as winning their Champions League group, before it all started to go wrong during the autumn. That is a reminder not to get carried away, but Tottenham’s opening feels more encouraging given that they are doing it without Harry Kane.

His dominance as a goal scorer meant that most pundits expected them to struggle more after his transfer to Bayern Munich. Son Heung-Min has stepped up to the plate after becoming captain though, netting three times in five matches.

The team has upcoming games against Arsenal and Liverpool and that will give a better idea of their chances. It is hard to see them sustaining a title challenge against City or Liverpool, as they both look stronger and have more experience of handling the pressure, but Tottenham feel like a top four team.

The Bottom

It might seem rather early to talk about relegation, but some teams will be only too aware of it already. One of them is Everton, bottom of the table with just one point so far.

At the same stage last season, they had three points and were just above the bottom three. It is a miserable time for fans of a side that is among the most successful historically, but unless they find a way to score more goals they seem certain to be fighting relegation at the end of the season like they did in 2022/23.

The bottom of the league looks different otherwise, mainly because teams down there at this time last year – e.g. Southampton and Leeds – are now out of the league. Promoted sides Burnley and Luton are there with Everton alongside Wolves. 

Despite it still being very early days, the odds are overwhelming that these will be the teams in the battle to avoid the drop for the rest of the season. The most notable thing about the lower half of the Premier League is the presence of both Manchester United and Chelsea.

Each have made dreadful starts to this season and pressure is already mounting on Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino. In the case of United, it should be noted that the start was very comparable last season, but they need quick improvement.

Much of the top and bottom of the league is similar this year to last year at the same stage, but Chelsea and Manchester United are under pressure.