The 2023-24 Premier League season has been chaotic so far and tables are crowded as we head into the busy holiday period. How do we understand all this? If only there was another way to rank how teams are doing.
There are a few exceptions that have performed better or worse, as the Premier League continues to surprise many in the standings and we are looking at an extremely close title race between dozens of teams during the season. Below are the power rankings of all 20 teams, based on what they showed us in Gameweek 13 and their current trajectory. Get ready for a lot of up-and-down swings in this ranking in the coming weeks and months.
Premier League Power Rankings – Week 13
20. Burnley – Even
19. Sheffield United – Down 1
18. Nottingham Forest – Down 1
17. Fulham – Up 2
16. Crystal Palace – Down 3
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley collapsed late against West Ham to lose their seventh home game in a row since the start of the season and they simply did not have the quality to take advantage of their chances. Sheffield United were booed at home when Bournemouth beat them and time is running out for Paul Heckingbottom, while Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is also under pressure. Cooper’s side lost at home to Brighton in a poor clash and Forest needs to stop making defensive errors. Fulham were lucky to beat Wolves thanks to two very light penalties, but Marco Silva’s side are looking to win. As for Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson appeared to be in the hot seat as the Eagles lost at Luton Town, and that now represents one win in their last six games and four losses in their last five.
The scrappers
15. Everton – Down 4
14. Luton Town – Up 2
13. West Ham – Up 1
12. Bournemouth – Up 3
11. Wolves – Down 2
Sean Dyche’s Everton were ultimately well beaten by Man United, but they created plenty of chances in the first half after a 3-0 loss. They couldn’t get them down and that’s been the story of their season so far. If Everton finish without a 10-point deduction, they will comfortably be in the top 10 instead of the relegation zone. Luton was excellent in their home win over Palace and they stood out from the bottom three thanks to their clear play and incredible team spirit. West Ham survived a huge scare against Burnley as Mohammed Kudus scored both goals late on to ease the pressure on David Moyes. Bournemouth were excellent against Sheffield United as Andoni Iraola’s side won three of their last four matches and things finally clicked with their pressing style of play. Wolves were once again extremely unlucky as VAR decisions went against them at Fulham and Gary O’Neil’s side should have had at least six points more than they currently have.
The promising bunch
10. Chelsea – Down 4
9. Brighton – Up 3
8. Brentford – Even
7. Tottenham – Down 2
6. Manchester United – Up 4
Chelsea are injured, but the way they were overwhelmed and blown up against Newcastle was something that made Mauricio Pochettino extremely worried when the Blues coach let his teammates know how disappointed he was after the match. Unless Chelsea can eliminate these defensive errors, they will have to endure another season in mid-table. Brighton eventually got back to winning ways and performed impressively against Forest when down to 10 men, but they fought extremely hard to win and Roberto De Zerbi and the players could feel the loss. relief. Brentford was unlucky to lose to Arsenal at home and continues to be one of the most difficult teams to face, while Tottenham was also very unlucky to lose to Aston Villa at home. Ange Postecoglou didn’t have many key players, but they took the lead against Villa, led and should have been 3-0 up before tiring in the second half and Villa attacked either side at half-time to score a third. consecutive defeats against Spurs. Manchester United have won 5 of their last 6 matches and 3 in a row with a 3-0 win over Everton thanks to an early strike from Alejandro Garnacho and a goal each from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. United have had to weather the storm, but the return of Luke Shaw and excellent youngster Kobbie Mainoo in midfield is vital for them to hold on and move towards victory.
The leading lights
5. Newcastle – Up 2
4. Liverpool – Down 2
3. Aston Villa – Up 1
2. Arsenal – Up 1
1. Manchester City – Even
What an incredible 4-1 win for Newcastle over Chelsea as Eddie Howe’s injury-hit side continued to defy belief as they crushed Chelsea at St James’ Park in preparation for a big week in the Champions League. Newcastle are still in the top 4 and Liverpool is probably in the title fight as they go deep and try to take a point from Manchester City despite being only 2 points behind the leaders. Jurgen Klopp’s side are far from their best but have consistent chances and could even win it, but a point appears to be a step forward for Liverpool as they improve in the draw long. Speaking of progress, Unai Emery has had a great 12 months at Aston Villa as they won against Tottenham and are just two points behind the leaders.
Can Villa stay in the championship race this season? Arsenal certainly looked like they were clinging to the title race with a late win over Brentford through Kai Havertz and despite a poor start to this game, they showed renewed resilience to claim Another win as Declan Rice looked excellent and the Gunners sat back. topped the rankings after 13 matches. Manchester City remain top of our rankings as they should have eliminated Liverpool but failed to take their chances and were punished. If City can pick up Jeremy Doku’s brilliant pass, they will be top of the table in the coming weeks.