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Premier League table: Every team compared to 2018/19 – Arsenal and Man Utd play catch-up
Arsenal and Manchester United are struggling to match their form from last season, but which Premier League sides are most improved compared to 2018/19?
Arsenal: Sheffield United will be a ‘big challenge’ says Emery
Arsenal take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight looking to gain some ground on their points tally from this stage last season.
The Gunners are currently six points behind their 2018/19 total, having played a match less, but still sit fifth in the overall table.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are four points adrift of where they were last campaign after enduring their worst start to a league campaign in 30 years.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace are seven points clear of their form from 12 months ago – but does the rest of the Premier League shape up?
Premier League table based on points comparison with 2018/19
20. Watford: -12pts
Watford enjoyed a stellar start in 2018/19 so their struggles this time around look even worse by comparison.
However, a welcome point against Tottenham could suggest things are turning around at Vicarage Road.
19. Tottenham Hotspur: -9pts
Things are far from rosy for Mauricio Pochettino at the moment, with the Spurs boss feeling the heat after just one win in the last seven matches across all competitions.
18. Arsenal: -6pts (Played one less match than at this stage in 2018/19)
Arsenal have less points than at this stage last season but can close the gap with victory over Sheffield United tonight.
17. Everton: -5pts
The Toffees have endured a slump in recent weeks but a welcome win against West Ham has eased the pressure on Marco Silva.
16. Bournemouth: -5pts
The Cherries have struggled to match their lightning start to the 2018/19 campaign and a stalemate against Norwich last time out is seen as a missed opportunity.
15. Manchester United: -4pts
United looked on course for victory against table-topping Liverpool before Adam Lallana’s late strike at Old Trafford, so the Red Devils are still behind on their start under Jose Mourinho.
14. Wolverhampton Wanderers: -4pts
Wolves have struggled to balance European and domestic commitments, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side turned a corner with wins over Watford and Manchester City before a hard-earned point against Southampton.
13. Chelsea: -4pts
Chelsea are still playing catch-up compared to their impressive performances under Maurizio Sarri but victory over Newcastle was a welcome boost.
12. Manchester City: -4pts
The champions got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace but still find themselves six points behind Liverpool in the overall table.
11. Norwich City: -2pts (compared to last PL season in 2015/16)
The Canaries were impressive against the traditional top six at the start of the season but Daniel Farke’s side have failed to get many points on the board.
10. Brighton & Hove Albion: -2pts
Graham Potter masterminded a fantastic 3-0 win over Tottenham before the international break but all the hard work was undone by defeat against Aston Villa.
9. Southampton: +2pts
Saints continue to grind out points with another draw against Wolves at the weekend, leaving them two ahead of their 2018/19 tally.
8. Liverpool: +2pts
Jurgen Klopp’s men saw their perfect start to the season end with a draw against United, but they are still ahead of their 2018/19 form.
7. Sheffield United: +3pts (played one less match than at this stage in 2006/07)
The Blades have got off to a bright start compared to their previous spell in the top flight and will hope to earn a positive result against Arsenal.
6. Burnley: +4pts
The Clarets saw their momentum checked by defeat away at Leicester but it has still been a superb start to the campaign for Seean Dyche’s men.
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5. West Ham United: +5pts
The Hammers have lost back-to-back games but remain well clear of their 2018/19 tally.
4. Leicester City: +5pts
Leicester pushed Liverpool all the way before the international break and continued their excellent campaign with victory over Burnley.
3. Newcastle United: +6pts
Newcastle fans may be disgruntled with manager Steve Bruce and the club’s ownership but the Magpies are six points better off than last year despite defeat against Chelsea.
2. Aston Villa: +7pts (compared to last PL season in 2015/16)
Dean Smith’s side hammered Norwich then earned a vital win over Brighton to move themselves towards the top half.
1. Crystal Palace: +7pts
A surprise win for Palace against West Ham moved them up to sixth in the Premier League table and the Eagles are still the most improved team this season despite their loss to Manchester City.