English Premier League Season Preview: Top Five Clubs

Strategic Insights -

The 2015-2016 English Premier League season is underway, with Chelsea and Liverpool set to battle it out at the top. Chelsea, reigning champions, have suffered a poor preseason, losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield. Manager Jose Mourinho has warned that winning the title this season will be harder than last time around. Manchester City, last season's runners-up, have made significant signings, including Raheem Sterling for $76 million, in a bid to close the gap to Chelsea. Arsenal, who enjoyed a resurgent second half of last season, have made a strong start with the signing of Petr Cech and a victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield. Manchester United, who finished fourth last season, have added Bastian Schweinsteiger to their squad, while Liverpool have been the most active in the transfer window, signing seven players.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chelsea, reigning champions, have had a poor preseason, losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
  • Manager Jose Mourinho has warned that winning the title this season will be harder than last time around.
  • Manchester City, last season's runners-up, have made significant signings, including Raheem Sterling for $76 million.
  • Arsenal, who enjoyed a resurgent second half of last season, have made a strong start with the signing of Petr Cech and a victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield.
  • Manchester United, who finished fourth last season, have added Bastian Schweinsteiger to their squad.
  • Liverpool have been the most active in the transfer window, signing seven players, including No less than seven players.
  • Manager Brendan Rogers will be hoping his new players can gel quickly and improve on last season's disappointing sixth place.

Statistics:

  • Chelsea have failed to win a single game in preseason, including a 1-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley, and will face Swansea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge (Matias Grez, CNN).
  • Manchester City finished last season in second, eight points behind Chelsea (Matias Grez, CNN).
  • Arsenal enjoyed a resurgent second half of last season and will be hoping their team can start this season as well as they ended the last (Matias Grez, CNN).
  • Manchester United finished fourth last season (Matias Grez, CNN).
  • Liverpool has signed No less than seven players in the transfer window this summer (Matias Grez, CNN).
  • Raheem Sterling was signed for $76 million by Manchester City in the summer (Matias Grez, CNN).

Sources:

  • Matias Grez (CNN)
  • Community Shield
  • Manchester City official website
  • Arsenal official website
  • Manchester United official website
  • Liverpool official website