Alternative Premier League Tables Reveal Surprising Team Fortunes
Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United all change places in our alternative Premier League tables. Does the standard league table get you down? Try one of these five hypothetical scenarios to see how team fortunes shift under different conditions.
First Half Versus Second Half Performance
Football is undeniably a game of two halves, and the table changes drastically when isolating first-half or second-half results. Some teams excel early, while others show strength later. For instance, Manchester City would lead by nine points over Arsenal if only first-half scores counted, but they drop to sixth in second-half standings, trailing by 13 points.
Manchester United fall from fourth in the first-half table to 13th in the second-half version, while Aston Villa jump from 13th to second. West Ham plummet from 10th to 20th in second-half rankings. A slight correlation exists with younger teams performing better in second halves, but game state also plays a role, as leading teams may not push hard in later periods.
Eliminating Stoppage Time Goals
With Premier League referees adding more stoppage time, what if games ended strictly at 90 minutes? Removing goals scored after the 90th minute would see Leeds rise five places to 10th, as they have conceded the most late goals. Everton and Fulham would each drop three places without their stoppage-time strikes.
Liverpool, despite late concessions, would gain two points and move to fourth, swapping with Manchester United. This scenario highlights how crucial added time can be in shaping league positions.
Scrapping Set-Piece and Penalty Goals
In a world without set pieces or penalties, Arsenal would lose eight points, as 21 of their 52 goals this season come from such plays. Aston Villa would drop seven points, while Everton and Sunderland each lose six. Burnley would benefit most, having conceded 19 set-piece goals but scored only nine.
Brighton and Bournemouth also gain, with Bournemouth allowing the most set-piece goals at 20. This alternative table underscores the strategic importance of dead-ball situations in modern football.
Counting Shots That Hit the Woodwork
What if every shot that struck the post or crossbar went in? This light-hearted hypothetical shows fine margins, with goalposts measuring just 12 centimetres wide. Arsenal would lose three points, dropping to third, as Fulham lose the most at five points and Aston Villa four.
Manchester City gain four points to top the table, while Manchester United earn an extra 10 points to rise to second, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. United have hit the woodwork 18 times, the most in the league, and benefited from fewer opponent strikes against their frame.
Conclusion: Between Everything and Nothing
These alternative tables serve as a reminder of football's unpredictable nature, highlighting how small details can influence outcomes. While the actual Premier League table remains definitive, these scenarios offer intriguing insights into team dynamics and the sport's rollercoaster essence.
