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The 2018-19 season of English Premier League has begun to catch shape after the end of Matchday 3. With Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea battling to clinch the top spot having won all 3 of their fixtures.
But the most decorated team in the history PL i.e. Manchester United are really struggling to get their game going as recently they were destroyed by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are on the 13th spot at the league and they need to change it as soon as possible if they even want to give competition for the title race.
While the fan favorites Man Utd are struggling, the underdogs Watford are performing surprisingly well as they won all their 3 games till now. Watford is currently 4th in the league and if they are able to continue their heroics they might be a threat this season to the Big 6 for the championship contention.
The tone is almost set for this season. So, let's discuss the top 5 contenders for this year's premier league title and possible key players for their club's success:
5. Manchester United
The Red Devils are undoubtedly the most decorated team in England. They have won a total of 20 premier league titles when Man United's fans witnessed their glorious era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
But after his shocking retirement, there was a huge void left. Few managers have tried their luck to fill that void but they failed to deliver at times. However, it seems the Red Devils have finally found a perfect coach for them. The Portuguese genius, Jose Mourinho has already won 3 major trophies in his first two years at the club.
Key Player: David De Gea
Another gem that was found by Sir Alex Ferguson is the Spanish goalkeeper, David De Gea. Though he took a couple of seasons to adjust himself to the pace of premier league, he has been a star for the Manchester giants since a few years now.
Last season, he did win the premier league Golden Glove and for a record 4th "Sir Matt Busby Player of the year" award for Manchester United.
Now that, De Gea had a World Cup he would like to forget. There is no doubt that if The Red Devils are keeping an eye on this season's title, David will play an elemental role in their success.
Though they haven't got the best start to the league, winning one and losing two of their 3 fixtures till now. But the recent 0-3 defeat at the Old Trafford by the hands of Tottenham will leave a scar on the fans for a very long time.
But as we know Man Utd are known as the kings of the comeback so, it would be too soon to count them out of the title race. But the question is will the current Man Utd squad be able to turn the tables around or not?
4. Chelsea
In the last 4 years, Chelsea has won 2 Premier League titles. Still, despite having a strong squad last season, Chelsea looked like a shadow of their original self. They finished 5th in the league that means they didn't qualify for UEFA Champions League and will be competing in UEFA Europa league.
Key Player: Eden Hazard
In 2012, Chelsea Signed the Belgian prodigy, Eden Hazard. Since then, the Belgian is performing consistently for the London side. He is been one of the major reason for their success in the last 4 years.
Hazard had a remarkable World Cup Campaign leading his side to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He would be looking carry his World Cup form in the new season.
Chelsea sacked their current manager Antonio Conte before the start of the new season as he was unable to deliver the success that Chelsea's board and fans were hoping last season. Now that Conte is replaced by another Italian manager Maurizio Sarri, he will have to work hard to bring back the success to The Blues.
Though the London side looks steady after winning their opening 3 games and placed 3rd in the league below Liverpool and Tottenham only on goal difference.
3. Liverpool
After Luis Suarez was signed by Fc Barcelona back in 2014, Liverpool had a rough spell in the league which most of their fans would like to forget.
Last season Liverpool made their only second appearance in the 2010s at the UEFA Champions League. Guided by Jurgen Klopp and the vicious trio of Salah, Firmino, and Mane they managed to reach till final of the European stage, defeated by the Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Key Player: Mohamed Salah
Last year, the Premier League fans were stunned by the breathtaking performances of The Egyptian magician, Mohamed Salah.
Salah won the golden boot for scoring 32 goals and broke the record of most number of goals scored in a 38 game season. He has now claimed the record previously held jointly by Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Alan Shearer.
He would be hoping to continue his last year's form as he is already off the mark in this new season, scoring against Crystal Palace in a 2-0 away win.
Jurgen Klopp's side finished 4th last season and once again claimed a UEFA Champions League spot. Liverpool has been one of the most active teams in this year's transfer market signing AS Roma's goalkeeper, Allison Becker for a world record fee of €67.0 mil. Further, strengthening their midfield with the addition of Xherdan Shaqiri, Naby Keita, and Fabinho, Liverpool is one of the top contenders to clinch the Premier League 2018-19 title.
Liverpool along with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Watford has won all their games till now and are on top of the league on goal difference. Liverpool's defense must be really happy with their performances till now as they are yet to concede a goal.
2. Tottenham Hotspur
Since the last few seasons, Tottenham Hotspur has been a constant threat to the title-winning teams. They have emerged as a well-organized set of players delivering season after season under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Key Player: Harry Kane
The Spur's academy has produced one of the best strikers that the club has seen. The England captain, Harry Kane has been consistent for the Spurs for past 4 years scoring 20+ goals in almost Premier League's every season.
He won back to back Golden boots in 2015-16 and 2016-17 season. Also, he got off to a good start of Premier League 2018-19 season scoring his first goal for The Lillywhites in their 3-1 away win against Fulham.
The North London side finished 3rd in the 2017-18 season. But, they are yet to sign a player in this transfer window. With the transfer window nearing its end, will they sign any new players or are planning to head to the new season with their current team? That's something to look at.
They have got an amazing start to the season by winning all their 3 games and their confidence must be high after overpowering the Red Devils in 0-30 win away from home.
1. Manchester City
Who can forget Sergio Aguero's screamer in 2011 that led the Sky Blues to win their first premier league title?
Man City doesn't only have a star-studded squad but also a brilliant tactician as their manager, Pep Guardiola.
Sometimes having so many stars in a team might lead to ego clashes and arguments amongst the players, but this City squad isn't facing that problem thanks to the brilliant management of players on and off the pitch by Pep.
Key Player: Kevin De Bruyne
The City squad has many brilliant players in each position whether it be Sergio Aguero spear-heading the attack or veteran Vincent Kompany organizing the defense. But the one player that stands out the most in this amazing squad is the 27 years old Belgian, Kevin De Bruyne.
He orchestrates the entire midfield and feeds brilliant passes to the City forwards. He had a good World Cup campaign and City fans would be hoping they can see their star lead his team to another successful campaign this year.
Man City(100 pts) won the title last year by a huge margin of 19 points over their arch-rivals Man Utd(81 pts) who finished second.
With the addition of Riyad Mahrez to their squad and mastermind of Pep Guardiola, the Sky blues are going to drive extra miles for the title. Pep and Co. have done this before and will want to replicate the heroics again this year.
They are currently placed 5th on the points table with two wins and a draw under their belt but as we already know how ferocious is this current Man City's attack they might be back on the top of the league even before we know
Tell us in comments, who are you supporting this year to win the premier league 2018-19?
