They always say the league table does not lie. They also say that should not believe the league table in the 1st 10 games. Finally, it seems they are saying that if Arsenal are top of the league after the first 10 games, you should not trust their league position until they have been tested. Despite Arsenal having played (and beaten) 2 of the top 4, we have apparently not yet been tested. so in response, I have come up with an Alternative Premier League Table.

The way it works is simple, each side is given a score based on their current league position. Arsenal are worth 20, Crystal Palace worth 1. Now based on the season results so far, the ‘points’ you get for winning a game is the score based on their league position. So Aston Villa got 20 points for beating Arsenal, whilst Arsenal got 1 point for beating Crystal Palace. If the result was a draw, both teams get 1/3 of that score (based on 1 point for a draw being 1/3 of the 3 points for a win).

Now in theory, if a team has played mainly lower league sides, their score will be lower, therefore their league position should be lower. Where as if a team played those sides worth a higher score, their alternative place league place may well be higher. A draw against Liverpool, for example, is worth the same as a victory against all 3 sides in the relegation zone. So how did the Alternative Premier League Table work out:

So what does the Alternative Premier League Table show, if it is to indicate who is in a force position based on their opponents? Well it shows Everton as having had the hardest start, whilst the next 6 have all had very similar starts, in terms of opponents. The main big difference for Arsenal is that our 5 point lead is perhaps a bit bigger that it should be.

Meanwhile, what is clear is that Liverpool have had a very easy start, as they drop 8 places based on the alternative formula. Manchester United also drop further, indicating that they truly are a club in crisis.

Statistics can be made to show anything. What this table certainly shows is that we have not had the ‘easy start’ that many claim, and that it is no easier or harder than other teams currently in the title race.

As a final thought, below is the average league position that the top sides have faced so far:

Make of this what you will.

Keenos