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#7 Wolverhampton Wanderers: 7
Wolverhampton Wanderers made quite a splash in the summer transfer window when they acquired the likes of Moutinho and Rui Patricio. Additionally, they got hold of exciting talents of the ilk of Traore and Diogo Jota. While their fellow newcomers, Fulham have failed miserably in incorporating their summer arrivals, Wolves have faced no such problems.
At the end of 2018, Wolves are just a place off the top six and have given a good account of themselves against the big boys. A home draw against City was followed by a draw away to Old Trafford and the Emirates.
More recently though, they have taken their game up a notch, beating Tottenham and Chelsea.
Though it would be a little premature to name Wolves the best incoming club ever, they have certainly inspired to feature at the forefront of any such discussion.
If this season is any indicator, the Wolves are here to stay in the league.
Rating: 7
#6 Manchester United
The 2018-19 season started off with Jose Mourinho moaning about the club’s lack of activity in the summer transfer window. The negativity spread by the Portuguese quickly set the tone for the season to follow. Thus, it has been no surprise that the positivity around Old Trafford returned once Jose was sent packing.
Till the past few weeks, Manchester United were absolutely dreadful. They conceded goals for fun and looked toothless in attack. Despite boasting of the likes of Pogba, Lukaku, Martial and De Gea, United looked a million miles away from being top four contenders.
However, since Solksjaer has come into the fold, they have attacked more and been more proactive in their approach.
Unfortunately for them though, victories over Cardiff(16th), Huddersfield(20th) and Bournemouth(12th) can’t spare them their blushes.
Manchester United were poor for the majority of the first half of the season and it clearly reflects in their standing.
Rating: 5.5
#5 Arsenal
Arsenal were always going to be afforded a little leeway this term considering someone other than Arsene Wenger was to man the dugout. His successor though, has impressed since moving to North London.
Under Unai Emery, Arsenal’s attack seems to have more of a cutting edge and they look better equipped to break down stubborn defences. However, their work at the other end of the pitch has still left a lot to be desired.
The defence has been Arsenal’s Achilles heel for a number of years and it isn’t sensible to expect Emery to wave his magic wand and fix it overnight.
The signs, though are promising and the Spaniard’s ability to shake things up has been refreshing.
It would be too early to expect Arsenal to challenge for the title but if given time, Emery could probably catapult them into genuine contenders in a couple of years’ time.
But for now, the promise is all that the Gooners will have to feed off from.
Rating: 6.5
