In the realm of football, statistics are often touted as predictors of success or failure. However, as the saying goes, statistics can sometimes be misleading. During the current international break, avid Premier League followers have had ample time to delve into the numbers and trends from the first 11 games of the season.
Analyzing historical data reveals some intriguing patterns. Over the past 33 seasons, the team leading the league after 11 matches has clinched the title on 16 occasions. Conversely, in 17 instances, the early front-runners did not go on to become champions. Notably, Arsenal has been the culprit in five of these instances, with the Gunners themselves falling short of the title after holding the top spot at the same stage in a previous season.
Fast forward to the current 2022/23 season, Arsenal finds themselves in a familiar position, leading the pack by four points ahead of Manchester City. While these statistics should not dictate the outcome of the season, they underscore that early success does not guarantee ultimate triumph in the Premier League.
Moreover, history shows that teams have overcome deficits from this stage of the season to claim the title, with the largest gap being eight points, a feat achieved only twice. This realization underscores the competitiveness of the league and keeps the door open for teams like Manchester United, currently on 18 points, to remain in contention for the championship.
Looking ahead, Manchester United’s fixture list presents a favorable run, with no European commitments and a series of upcoming matches against teams currently placed lower in the standings. Despite facing skepticism due to squad depth compared to rivals, standout performances from players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens have bolstered United’s confidence and belief in their ability to secure victories.
While bookmakers may not favor Manchester United for the title, history has shown that overcoming early deficits is not impossible, with the most recent example being Manchester United in the 2002/23 season. With promising signs of resurgence, United could be a dark horse worth considering for those inclined to place a bet on the outcome of the season.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and stay updated with the latest Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Additionally, Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering substantial savings and an expanded lineup of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League.
As we navigate through football’s twists and turns, the evolving landscape of the Premier League continues to surprise and intrigue fans, keeping the title race wide open for unexpected contenders.