The way-too-early conclusions from the Premier League season

It's what being a supporter is all about isn't it?

Jumping the gun, making outlandish claims that one team is destined for glory whilst the other couldn't compete with your Sunday League side; predictions and making conclusions are an integral part of fan culture.

So here's some conclusions after four gameweeks of Premier League football (that will no doubt all be wrong come May).

The Champions keep their throne

Hardly a bold claim but despite underperforming by their own admittance, Liverpool sit with maximum points and a certain Alexander Isak waiting in the wings.

Isak in action 🎯#TeamPixel | #Ad pic.twitter.com/0h6ujzgyUx

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 10, 2025

You can point to performances and suggest the chasing pack have shown more in the opening four weeks, but whether its fortune or nous from the reigning champions there's every reason to believe they will kick things up a few gears and motor on to a second straight title.

£446 million spent in the summer would strike fear into other supporters, but it's easy to forget this isn't a video game and whilst all the new arrivals at Anfield are highly talented players, there naturally becomes a bedding in phase where Arne Slot moulds his new look side.

Arsenal shouldn't be written off as serious challengers to the champions, but Liverpool's late late show has them coming through what could be an awkward start without a fault.

Manchester United destined for mediocrity

Of course Manchester United have shown in their performances they appear to be a better side this season than last, which you would expect when you spend near £200 million on three attackers.

However if it wasn't for a moment of madness from Jaidon Anthony, Ruben Amorim's side would be winless in the League as well as being dumped out the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.

INCREDIBLE. 🤯

League Two side Grimsby Town have knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup. 👏 pic.twitter.com/eUpzSgBTrY

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 27, 2025

Decent performances compared to the 15th placed dross served up at Old Trafford last season doesn't equate to success, and whichever area of the pitch you want to look at things simply are not falling into place for United.

It's hard to not analyse the manager, who will continue to stick to his principles as the loss counter piles up, and even if Jim Ratcliffe continues to back his man the next few weeks will be extremely telling on if there is light at the end of the tunnel for United.

No European or cup football for the remainder of 2025 leaves no excuses for Amorim and his side to continue dwindling into abyss in the Premier League, and a 26.67% win rate simply won't cut it.

Ruben Amorim has the worst win percentage of any permanent #mufc manager since the Second World War. ❌🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/8CtHnrP867

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) September 14, 2025

Grealish for England

It's simply put a joy seeing Jack Grealish back playing football.

I'm sure the 30-year-old will have no regrets over his time in Manchester, picking up about every honour there is to win in club football, but seven starts in the Premier League last campaign isn't right for a player of his quality.

30-year-old Jack Grealish has just been voted Premier League Player Of The Month for the first time in his career 👏 pic.twitter.com/41HmmJGV3r

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 12, 2025

Collecting the Player of the month award for August, Grealish is quickly reminding everyone why he cost £100 million back in 2021, and it would be hard to believe one of those people taking note isn't Thomas Tuchel.

Grealish was a key player for England in their Euro 2021 campaign and featured in the 2022 World Cup, and ensuring he can put together a relatively injury-free campaign at Everton it appears a match made in heaven for him to feature in North America next summer.

Four assists in as many games and helping Everton finally look clear of any relegation chatter, Grealish could be the answer to the rumblings over England's left winger, but at the very least it's a player you simply must have as an option in tournament football.

Plenty of positives for the newcomers

The growing pattern of the same three sides getting promoted only to head straight back down the Championship is a real concern for the sustainability of the English football pyramid.

However, this season all three promoted teams have shown a bit more steel and promise that they can compete at a minimum to stay in the division.

It's looking much more promising for the newly promoted sides in the Premier League this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/DGM6NXdwKD

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 23, 2025

Big spenders Sunderland have got off to an impressive start, winning both games at the Stadium of Light and sitting on seven points, just five short of Southampton's total last season.

Leeds and Burnley haven't put things together quite as quickly, but with both sides already claiming a league victory and looking very competent defensively to hold their own there's reason for both fanbases to believe they can beat the drop.

It's difficult to suggest all three teams will survive with the high standards of the other 17 sides built on years in the top flight, but for a change all three appear to have their wits about them in finding ways to pick up points.

Surprise European packages

Before a ball had been kicked it felt a sure bet that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea would lead the pack this season, and based on the opening weeks there's no suggestion that won't be the case barring some teething problems from Pep Guardiola's side.

But the race for the European spots, which could go down to eighth place this season, is appearing wildly unpredictable.

Thomas Frank has got Tottenham off to a good start, but the biggest tests are yet to come for Spurs once fixtures pile up and squad management becomes the dictator of their destiny.

Newcastle United will be hoping post-Isak drama that things settle down under Eddie Howe and they will no doubt be fierce competitors for a Champions League position with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa looking to fill a £130 million man hole.

Aston Villa and Manchester United appear to be in early turmoil, with neither side battle-ready despite the strength of their squads.

Therefore the opportunity is there for other sides to repeat Nottingham Forest's leap to the upper echelons of the table, including Forest themselves under Ange Postecoglou and behind the £200 million summer backing from Mr Marinakis.

Ange Postecoglou has arrived at his new home. 🏡🌳 pic.twitter.com/qk6fNItFad

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 11, 2025

Bournemouth have stood out as a real competitive side this season, with Andoni Iraola building on his impressive work on the South Coast despite an exodus of talent over the summer.

FOUR games played 📈
THREE goals 🔥
TWO assists 🅰️

Antoine. Semenyo. pic.twitter.com/yZp8CiCG1D

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) September 13, 2025

Other teams including Everton, Crystal Palace, and Brighton have shown signs of being more than capable of leaping into the European spots, and particularly those sides without European football already this season will fancy their chances at putting their best foot forward domestically.