The Premier League rarely plays out as the form-book and standings suggest it will, but that was the case on a largely fright-less Halloween weekend.
In Round 11 of the 2015-16 Premier League season, all but one of the teams in the top half of the standings won or drew their games, while those in the bottom half lost or tied theirs. Whether these collective results were coincidence remains to be seen.
What’s certain is the season is reaching a point where contenders are separating themselves from pretenders, and those teams that still have hopes of finishing above their current stations had better act fast.
We’re looking in Chelsea’s direction.
Chelsea lost to Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the weekend’s marquee game. The most startling aspect of the contest between was how much Liverpool’s comeback win seemed to be a fait accompli.
Chelsea has played like anything but the reigning Premier League champion since the start of the season. Chelsea hasn’t changed much since last season’s success, but its once-proud defense now is among the league’s running jokes.
Chelsea now sits 15th in the standings with 11 points from as many games. However, just 10 points separate Chelsea from fourth place with 27 games to play. Chelsea’s title hopes already are shot, and history and the form-book suggest its chances of returning to the UEFA Champions League next season are a long-shot, at best.
Jose Mourinho’s hold on the manager’s position at Chelsea hangs in the balance, as owner Roman Abramovich weighs whether to persist with the so-called “Special One” amid the worst start to a title defense in Premier League history.
Should Abramovich jettison Mourinho in a last-ditch effort at returning to prominence this season? The Russian should look no further than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for proof of the galvanizing effect a new manager can have on a set group of players.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Chelsea 1 – 3 Liverpool
Read what transpired at Stamford Bridge in our wrap and what the game means for the Reds in our verdict.
Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Manchester United
Manchester United slipped to fourth in the standings following its fourth consecutive goal-less draw in all competitions. Pressure is mounting on manager Louis van Gaal and captain Wanye Rooney, who is struggling in the Dutchman’s system.
Manchester City 2 – 1 Norwich City
Yaya Toure’s late penalty kick prevented first-placed Manchester City from slipping up in the title race.
Newcastle 0 – 0 Stoke City
Swansea City 0 – 3 Arsenal
The Gunners have won five in a row and have established themselves as title contenders. They’re tied with Manchester City on points (25) for first place in the league.
Watford 2 – 0 West Ham
The Hammers were the unfortunate ones among the Premier League’s better teams to lose. The Watford loss was West Ham’s first road defeat in six league games this season.
West Brom 2 – 3 Leicester City
The high-flying Foxes remain the Premier League’s comeback kings, and Jamie Vardy can’t stop scoring.
Sunday, Nov. 1
Everton 6 – 2 Sunderland
Everton lit up Sunderland thanks to Arouna Kone’s hat trick. Imagine what the Toffees could do if they made the most of their set pieces.
Southampton 2 – 0 Bournemouth
Monday, Nov. 2
Tottenham 3 – 1 Aston Villa
Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs keep humming. They’re one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SportsCenter
