Overrated, Underrated: Premier League Edition

We are only three months into the season and both the top and bottom of the table have shaped up largely to the expectations that many predicted.

Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton have all struggled so far; their combined points between them is the worst for newly promoted teams in league history. Three points separates the top four, with Manchester City returning to the summit after Tottenham’s impressive start to the season. Arsenal and Liverpool are both in hot pursuit.

Aston Villa and Newcastle have continued their strong form and will likely finish in the European spots, while mixed starts to the season for Manchester United and Chelsea leaves them nearer a congested middle pack.

Here are three teams to keep an eye on.

OVERRATED

Brighton

Yes, they are sitting in 7th, continuing to play attractive and progressive football.

However, they are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, part of a run that stretches back fifteen games, when they won 3-0 at Arsenal. Winless in their last five, there is obviously more going well than not, but consistently conceding chances and goals shows signs of vulnerability that may hinder them from finishing in the European positions and going far in the Europa League.

After a tough set of the fixtures the games ease up considerably, so it gives Robert De Zerbi a chance to figure out a settled starting XI that provides more solidity. After an amazing campaign in 2022-23, the standards have been significantly raised, so criticism can not be ignored. Losing Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Levi Colwill will take some time to replace, but the quality recruitment structure should reap rewards long term once again.

UNDERRATED

Nottingham Forest

Sitting in 13th on thirteen points may not look incredible, but Forest have carried over their strong form from last season, most importantly being more competitive away from home.

Steve Cooper has at times been close to losing his job, overcoming a poor start in the last campaign to lead a virtually entire new squad to survival. Despite a tough run of fixtures which has seen them travel to Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, every game besides the 2-0 losses at the Etihad Stadium and Anfield has been decided by one goal or drawn.

With new signings Antony Elanga, Danilo, Murillo and Matt Turner settling in nicely to compliment key players Awoniyi and Gibbs-White, Forest have the quality and depth to aim push on and steer clear of the relegation battle. Having more balance to nick more points on the road will be crucial in addition to their strong home form.

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

Manchester United

Twelve goals scored and sixteen goals conceded in only eight games leaves the Red Devils in eighth, with unconvincing wins the high points and defensive chaos reflecting the lowly defeats.

Six unconvincing wins all by a solitary goal against opposition they should be beating is somewhat concerning. However, amidst all the media noise surrounding a potential takeover, Jadon Sancho’s public omission and under performing players, things could be a lot worse. Injuries in defense have certainly not helped, but Andre Onana’s performances so far have been disappointing.

Issues at both ends of the pitch could spell for a long season ahead, but finding ways to win despite being outplayed is a sign that better things will come. Integrating Rasmus Hojlund with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will be crucial as United look to stay afloat with Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof playing more prominently that Erik Ten Hag would have liked.