Is the gap between the top Premier League teams and the ones fighting a relegation battle getting bigger and bigger? Perhaps this season is just an anomaly or still an exception that proves the rule. The truth is, as usual, probably somewhere in between. However, one fact stands. For the first time in the Premier League history, there are as many as six winless teams after the initial five rounds?!Consequently, that sextet has 12 points combined, one less than the leader, Man City! “The winless group” includes all three newly promoted sides, Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town, as well as the “old hands” that have been “around the block” for some time – Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton, and Everton.This is the first-ever Premier League season with SIX winless teams after five games 🤒 pic.twitter.com/HcRdlUVFP3— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 23, 2024 Interestingly, despite currently sitting in the penultimate spot with the same number of points and goal difference as the Wolves, the Toffees were the closest out of six to snatch a win. Namely, after the initial two horrible defeats by Brighton (3-0) and Tottenham (4-0), Sean Dyche’s crew “gambled away” a two-goal lead in two consecutive rounds! First, Bournemouth managed to come from behind, scoring three goals between the 87th and 96th minute (?!) and then Aston Villa made a complete comeback after the break. Moreover, Everton had a 1-0 lead against Leicester in the previous round as well, conceding the equalizer 17 minutes before the end.2 – Everton have become just the second side in Premier League history to lose back-to-back games having led by 2+ goals in both after Bournemouth in October/November 2022. Gloom. pic.twitter.com/3DBzTJtYM5— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2024 The Wolves initially noted the two expected defeats against Arsenal and Chelsea (though no one could have imagined a 6-2 Blues’ triumph). However, they were 1-0 in front at the break against Newcastle and Unai Emery’s squad (which obviously became masters of comeback), only to end up losing both games 2-1 and 3-1, respectively.1.92 – Wolves accumulated a higher expected goals tally (1.92) than opponents Chelsea (1.56) today, and lost 6-2. Puzzling. pic.twitter.com/EzrHXcmUPw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 25, 2024 After scoring only once in the initial four rounds, Southampton finally won a point against their “Championship mates” from last season – Ipswich. Still, the Tractor Boys left a much better impression than the Saints, given that they salvaged two more draws against Fulham and Brighton and are currently undefeated in three consecutive games. Their lead at Etihad against the Cityzens, although it lasted for only five minutes, should not be neglected.Just the 191 seconds between @ManCity’s first and third goals ⏱️Ipswich shocked the reigning champions by taking the lead early on, but the hosts bounced back quickly! #TheKickOff | #MCIIPS pic.twitter.com/O5xp5fqHBX— Premier League (@premierleague) August 24, 2024 Crystal Palace were one of the biggest unpleasant surprises in the league after the opening losses to Brentford and West Ham. However, the three ties in a row improved the impression, especially considering that two out of three were against Chelsea and Manchester United. The third one came against Leicester, which has yet to win despite netting in each of the five games played. The Foxes lost to Fulham and Aston Villa (both times 2-1) and drew against Tottenham and the aforementioned duo of Everton and Palace.Football needs players like himThe two latter teams meet tomorrow, pursuing the first victory, while the other four sides will have much more challenging tasks: Ipswich face the Villans, Leicester travel to Emirates Stadium, the Wolves await Liverpool, and Southampton play Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium. Still, the relegation battle will be fierce and – considering these winless streaks – teams which manage to grab first triumphs before the rivals, will be much closer to the Premier League survival.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 6Saturday14:30: (5.30) Newcastle (4.00) Man.City (1.63)17:00: (1.22) Arsenal (7.25) Leicester (15.0)17:00: (2.30) Brentford (3.50) West Ham (3.25)17:00: (1.75) Chelsea (3.60) Brighton (4.90)17:00: (2.85) Everton (3.35) Crystal Palace (2.65)17:00: (2.45) Nott.Forest (3.40) Fulham (3.10)19:30: (7.75) Wolverhampton (4.80) Liverpool (1.40)Sunday16:00: (4.40) Ipswich (3.50) Aston Villa (1.85)18:30: (2.35) Man.Utd. (3.60) Tottenham (2.85)Monday22:00: (1.65) Bournemouth (3.80) Southampton (5.40)***odds are subject to change***
