1) On-song Son leads Tottenham’s title charge
When Tottenham opted to replace Mauricio Pochettino with Jose Mourinho, it was hoped the ‘Special One’ would rediscover his mojo. Some sections of Spurs supporters were less than convinced by the appointment and the murmurs continued with some underwhelming performances last season.
But with 12 points gained from their last four games and a more attacking approach adopted in the main, the doubters are beginning to believe Tottenham can challenge for the title and they are now trading at 7.06/1 to win their first
Back-to-back wins for West Ham has the Hammers moving up the table to the point where they have their sights set on a top six finish. Instead of scoring plenty of goals, one goal has been enough for the eighth placed Hammers to record successive wins over Fulham and Sheffield United.
Their last two opponents may only have five points between them, but in years gone by, these would be the type of matches that the Hammers would have dropped points in.
This is the best start to a season after nine games West Ham have made in the last five campaigns and they can establish themselves as top six contenders if they can pick up all three points at home to Aston Villa next Monday. The Hammers can be backed at 9.28/1 to maintain their good form and secure a top six finish.
5) Magpies have their wings clipped to move closer to the drop zone
When Steve Bruce was appointed Newcastle manager, he admitted it was a dream come true to manage the team he supported growing up. The last few weeks, however, have not been a dream as the Magpies fell to successive 2-0 defeats to Southampton and Chelsea.
Both losses have followed a similar pattern for Bruce’s side this season. Three of their four defeats have been to nil and all three of those have come after Newcastle conceded goals in the opening 10 minutes. Federico Fernandez’s own goal gave Chelsea an early advantage on Saturday and the Magpies were unable to recover.
There is still plenty of time for Newcastle to turn things around. After finishing tenth in their first campaign back in the top flight, the Magpies have finished 13th in the last two seasons. Newcastle fans are among the most demanding and another finish outside the top half will not sit well with them.
Bruce’s appointment wasn’t met with universal approval and defeat at Crystal Palace this weekend will cast doubts on a top half finish which can be backed at 12.5. Bruce can also be backed at 12.5 to be the next manager to leave his position.
Source: Betfair Premier League
