Surprised by the Premier League standings? Bournemouth sits second, Sunderland fourth, with Manchester United equal to Manchester City and ahead of Liverpool.

The Premier League is the richest league, and the revenue allows clubs to acquire more top players. Even the mid and lower-tier Premier League teams have buying power on par with championship contenders from the other four major leagues. This implies that unremarkable Premier League clubs have outstanding players who, with a skilled coach, can be developed into highly competitive squads.

• Bournemouth: Last summer, four of the five main defenders (four defenders plus goalkeeper) left after last season, but Bournemouth quickly formed a new, highly competitive team. After 9 rounds, with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss totaling 18 points, they rank second in the Premier League. Spanish coach Andoni Iraola has proven to be an excellent manager.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, Tottenham brought in Brentford’s coach Frank Reich this summer. The team has indeed become more balanced in both attack and defense. After 9 rounds, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses totaling 17 points, they stand third, making them the highest-ranked Big Six Premier League club after Arsenal.
• Sunderland: In the past two seasons, all three promoted teams were relegated, but this season’s promoted Sunderland is a true dark horse. After 9 rounds, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses totaling 17 points, they rank fourth. The club signed several new players this summer, including former Arsenal player Xhaka, who anchors the team with his ability to organize, defend, and assist (3 assists). The Black Cats truly live up to their nickname as dark horses.

The Premier League standings are unusual: first, neither Manchester City nor Liverpool is in the top four; second, Guardiola equals Amorim, with Manchester City and Manchester United level on points; then Amorim is ranked above Slott, placing Manchester United ahead of Liverpool. Can you believe it? A lone wolf says: I still have zero wins and only 2 points — see you in the Championship next season!