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The domestic and continental club competitions are in full swing as we enter the winter months. Since the season began in August, there have been numerous surprises and several instances of heart-stopping action.
The UEFA Champions League this season looks as open as any before with a number of teams staking their claim in the formative stages. While defending champions Real Madrid have struggled, their eternal rivals Barcelona have notched up three victories out of three.
Domestically, the leagues in England and Spain are being tightly contested with only a couple of points separating the top five sides in each instance. In France and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus respectively, have taken control of the title race.
However, the biggest surprise has been reserved from the land of the 2014 World champions. Borussia Dortmund sits at the top with the Bavarian giants, Bayern Munich, 4 points off the pace. Though Bayern are more than capable of wiping off the deficit in the blink of an eye, their current slump can’t be understated.
Thus, with so many teams performing impressively across Europe, a look at which teams are the most in-form is surely warranted. Through this article, we would look at the 5 most in-form teams in Europe.
5. Arsenal
In the summer, Arsenal’s long-standing manager, Arsene Wenger finally bid adieu to the Emirates. Many believed that the transition would be rocky and the new manager would encounter problems at the outset. However, after a couple of early defeats, Arsenal have found their groove.
The Gunners are on an 11 match winning streak with their latest victory being a 1-0 to the Arsenal against Sporting Lisbon. The players seem to be buying into Emery’s philosophy with overlapping full-backs becoming a common feature over the games.
However, the manager also deserves a lot of credit. Emery has gotten the likes of Alex Iwobi, Hector Bellerin, and Danny Welbeck operating at a much higher level than earlier while new signings Sokratis, Leno, Torreira, and Guendouzi have been incorporated seamlessly.
Additionally, the triumvirate of Ozil, Lacazette, and Aubameyang seems to be hitting top gear. If Arsenal are to compete for the top honors, it is imperative that the aforementioned trio keep firing on all cylinders.
Although an 11-match winning run is not to be laughed at, the Gunners are yet to face a ‘big’ team since their defeat to Chelsea. Arsenal would have been higher on the list had they beaten higher-quality opposition during this run. Thus, they make it to the list as the 5th most in-form team in Europe.
4. Liverpool
Liverpool were the biggest spenders in England this summer with numerous new faces coming through the Anfield door. Alisson and Naby Keita quickly acclimatized to their new surroundings while Shaqiri and Fabinho took longer.
Currently, Liverpool sits second in the Premier League table, behind Manchester City on goal difference. Though they haven’t set the world ablaze with their displays in the league, they have found ways to win matches they would have lost previously.
In Europe, they have been impressive as they occupy the top spot in a group also consisting of Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain. Their display against PSG at Anfield was arguably their best of the season.
The biggest positive this season has been their defense. Having conceded only 3 goals in the league, they enjoy the meanest defense in the land. Additionally, the likes of Milner, Wijnaldum, and Henderson have lent solidity in the middle of the park.
Despite not going into overdrive, Liverpool have gotten the results their fans have wanted. The ability to win when you aren’t playing well is the hallmark of champions and the Anfield faithful would hope that their wait for the elusive Premier League would be ended come May 2019. Therefore, on the weight of their results, Liverpool qualify as the 4th most in-form team in Europe.
3. Manchester City
At number three, we have another English side: Manchester City. The Cityzens have continued from where they left off last season and have raced to the top of the league table. In the process, they have scored 26 goals while letting in only three.
More than the results, it has been the quality of their performances which has earmarked them for domestic and continental success. At the weekend, they demolished Burnley 5-0 before turning in a virtuoso display at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Pep Guardiola has blended style and substance superbly and is reaping the rewards. Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, and Raheem Sterling have been scintillating in the attacking third while Laporte and Stones have been rocks at the back. Apart from a shock defeat to Lyon, the Cityzens look on course to leaving everyone in their wake.
However, there is a sense of real optimism that City could actually make a mark on the European stage this time around. If they continue in the same vein, not many would argue against that logic. For the sheer quality of their performances, City makes it to our list at No.3.
2. Juventus
The Old Lady took the footballing fraternity by storm in the summer when they captured the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. With Ronaldo in the bag, the Turin-based outfit had sent out a message that they meant business this term and so far, they have lent weight to their statement.
In the Champions League, Juventus enjoy a 100% record having beaten Valencia, Young Boys, and Manchester United. Their victory at Old Trafford emphasized the gap existing between United and Juventus while also highlighting Juventus’ credentials as a genuine contender.
In the Serie A, they have been dominating as usual and have catapulted themselves to the top. The draw against Genoa represents the only blemish in an otherwise spotless season. Allegri seems to have stumbled upon a perfect recipe for success with Bonucci and Chiellini marshaling the defense. In midfield, Can has adjusted quickly and alongside Matuidi and Pjanic, they are a tough nut to crack.
However, the biggest positive has been the resurgence of Dybala. The Argentine has been in red-hot form recently and seems to be enjoying playing alongside Ronaldo. Up till now, Juventus have had an answer to every question posed to them. However, if they can conjure answers when the business end of the season comes around is anyone’s guess right now. But for the form they have shown in the early stages, they take the runner-up spot on our list.
1. Borussia Dortmund
The most in-form team in Europe are German giants, Borussia Dortmund. After the appointment of Lucian Favre, not many expected a swift turnaround of fortunes. However, the Signal Iduna Park has been a witness to some breath-taking football.
After 8 games, Dortmund leads the table having scored an incredible 27 goals. Their young guns Larsson, Pulisic, Sancho have enjoyed stellar seasons. Additionally, the likes of Reus and Gotze seem to be feeding off positively from the youngsters’ energy around them.
However, the biggest splash has been caused by two of their summer recruits. While Paco Alcacer has grabbed all the headlines with his scoring feats, Axel Witsel has slipped under the radar and been an indispensable presence in midfield.
In Europe, Dortmund laid down their marker after dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Westfalonstadion. Being one of only three teams to maintain a perfect start, they are real dark horses to go all the way in the Champions League.
Not many expected Dortmund to be flying at this stage of the season. However, those acquainted with the club would feel that a Klopp-esque era was overdue. At the cost of sounding too optimistic: the current side is eerily reminiscent of the exciting and exhilarating Dortmund of the early 2010s. An extension of their early season exploits would certainly keep them in good stead for silverware.
For the exemplary form they have displayed till now, Borussia Dortmund are the undisputed most in-form team in Europe currently.
