The Premier League table is as tight as it gets this season, with just six points separating Manchester City in second from Brentford in thirteenth. After eight games, newly promoted Sunderland already have two more points than Southampton managed in the entire last campaign, signalling a shift towards greater competitiveness.
For years, the league had been quietly becoming less competitive, with top teams accumulating more points and relegation battles requiring lower totals. However, this season looks set to change that trend, with only Arsenal appearing capable of a long unbeaten run. Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley have all shown they can compete, while Manchester United and Tottenham are much improved.
Wolves and West Ham, who previously benefited from weak promoted sides, now face a genuine fight to stay up. Most teams have the ability to beat anyone, and away trips to clubs like Crystal Palace or Bournemouth are no longer straightforward for the top six.
Much of the credit—or blame—goes to Brentford. The Bees have punched above their weight for five seasons, and despite losing their manager, two best players, first-choice goalkeeper and captain in the summer, they have started well with results against Chelsea and Manchester United. Brentford have become the league's masters of marginal gains, whether through scoring from kick-offs, utilising long throws, or deploying clever tactics to destabilise opponents.
Their methods have become increasingly popular, with Arsenal last season and now most of the league adopting a more direct approach. More long throws, defenders going up front in the final minutes, and kick-offs lumped into touch rugby-style are becoming common. It may not be pretty, but it works.
