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The 24th season of the English Premier League is up and running with eight matchdays already over. The EPL has so far seen some of its declining top teams in resurgence as well as some of its in-form teams declining. This year’s EPL has also seen some of the world’s most sought after players making their debut season in the Premier League.With eight matchdays already gone, there have been a number of surprises and upsets throughout the league. Many teams who were written off before the start of the season have been doing decently so far and are standing higher than many expected them to.Here are five such teams who have started this year’s Premier League better than expected.
#5 Everton
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After an improved 2013/14 season where they ended fifth, Everton proved to be a disappointment in 2014/15 as they ended their season placed 11th. This season, the Toffees signed Gerard Deulofeu permanently from Barcelona, Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and Aaron Lennon from Tottenham Hotspur amongst others.
Everton had a shaky start in their opening game against newly promoted Watford as a late equaliser saved them from an embarrassing home defeat. However, Roberto Martinez’s side came back with a 3-0 trouncing of Southampton at St. Mary’s. Although this was followed by a 2-0 loss to Manchester City at Goodison Park, Everton bounced back again displaying some brilliant performances – the most notable of which was a 3-1 win over defending champions, Chelsea.
Everton are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak and stand 7th. They have been disciplined at the back with skipper Phil Jagielka commanding the defence and have been decent up front too with their ace striker Romelu Lukaku bagging five goals in eight games so far and Steven Naismith scoring three. The midfield has been equally good with Gareth Barry and James McCarthy assisting the defence and young Ross Barkley assisting the attack.
If Everton can improve in attack, then they could be a formidable opponent in spots for Europe by the end of the season.
#4 Watford
Watford came back to the English Premier League this year after an eight-year absence from England’s top flight. And many were of the opinion that they would be sent back to the Championship at the end of the season.
However, the Hornets had an almost perfect start to the season as they drew 2-2 against Everton at Goodison Park. This was followed by goalless draws against West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. After losing to Manchester City, they won back-to-back matches against Swansea City and Newcastle United.
They are currently 12th in the standings and have so far exceeded the expectations of many. The side haven’t been ferocious on the attack but have been quite cautious in defence, conceding only seven goals – the joint least goals conceded so far.
If Watford’s back-line can continue to perform at this rate, then their defence could be nearly impenetrable. And with a bit of improvisation in the attack, the Hornets can easily end the season above the relegation zone.
#3 West Ham United
The Hammers have had some big changes since their 12th place finish last season. Manager Sam Allardyce was replaced by former Croatia international Slaven Bilic and some decent players like Alex Song, Victor Moses and Nikica Jelavic were introduced to the West Ham setup.
The Hammers made the best possible start to their season by defeating powerhouse Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Although this was followed by two successive defeats to Leicester City and Bournemouth, West Ham bounced back with impressive victories against Liverpool at Anfield and last season’s runners-up Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
West Ham have been almost impeccable in attack, scoring 17 goals. They have been displaying an attack-minded game in the midfield with Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate partnering well with Diafra Sakho.
One of the key attributes of the West Ham side this season has been their passing accuracy. They haven’t been very dominant in possession but have been passing the ball very well. The Hammers are currently sixth in the standings and if West Ham can keep this performance going then they could be a side to look out for.
#2 Crystal Palace
Ever since their return to top flight football in 2013, Crystal Palace have been putting in some decent performances, ending 11th in 2013/14 and 10th last season. The most notable signing for the Eagles this season has been France midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
Palace had a winning start to the EPL with an impressive 3-1 away win over Norwich City. The most notable victory for the Eagles this season was the 2-1 win over league holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The London side are currently fourth in the standings, one point behind second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Manchester United. They have shown a balanced performance so far, not scoring many goals but not conceding many as well. Cabaye has so far been a standout signing, scoring three goals and he has marshalled a midfield consisting of Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako who have threatened the opposition time and again.
The backline has also been pretty good, conceding seven goals – the joint least conceded by any team so far – with a solid defence consisting of Joel Ward, Pape Souare, Damien Delaney, Martin Kelly and former Norway international Brede Hangeland. If this level of performances continues, Palace could easily finish in the top half of the table and possibly qualify for European competition.
#1 Leicester City
Leicester City made their return to English top flight football after 10 years last season. Despite being in the relegation zone for the greater part of the 2014/15 season, they managed to finish 14th in the league thus securing another season in England’s top flight.
This season, the Foxes added some decent players into their setup including Austria’s captain Christian Fuchs, Switzerland’s skipper Gokhan Inler and Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki. However, Leicester City weren’t expected to make much of an impact this season with some expecting them to be relegated. But Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes made an impressive start to the season, going six matches unbeaten before eventually losing 5-2 to Arsenal.
Leicester City haven’t been very disciplined at the back but at the same time haven’t been shy up front, scoring 17 goals with only Manchester City having scored more goals than them. They have tried to capitalize on every chance given to them and this attacking approach has been very crucial for Leicester City, especially given the fact that they have been a little shaky in defence.
Striker Jamie Vardy will definitely be Leicester City’s trump card after scoring seven goals and is currently leading the goalscoring charts. The Foxes currently stand fifth in the standings and with a little toughness in the defence along with maintained consistency in attack, they could well be a force to be reckoned with.
