5 teams that have started the 2015/16 Premier League season better than expected
The 24th season of the English Premier League is up and running with eight matchdays already over. The EPL has so far seen some of its declining top teams in resurgence as well as some of its in-form teams declining. This year’s EPL has also seen some of the world’s most sought after players making their debut season in the Premier League.With eight matchdays already gone, there have been a number of surprises and upsets throughout the league. Many teams who were written off before the start of the season have been doing decently so far and are standing higher than many expected them to.Here are five such teams who have started this year’s Premier League better than expected.
#5 Everton
After an improved 2013/14 season where they ended fifth, Everton proved to be a disappointment in 2014/15 as they ended their season placed 11th. This season, the Toffees signed Gerard Deulofeu permanently from Barcelona, Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and Aaron Lennon from Tottenham Hotspur amongst others.
Everton had a shaky start in their opening game against newly promoted Watford as a late equaliser saved them from an embarrassing home defeat. However, Roberto Martinez’s side came back with a 3-0 trouncing of Southampton at St. Mary’s. Although this was followed by a 2-0 loss to Manchester City at Goodison Park, Everton bounced back again displaying some brilliant performances – the most notable of which was a 3-1 win over defending champions, Chelsea.
Everton are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak and stand 7th. They have been disciplined at the back with skipper Phil Jagielka commanding the defence and have been decent up front too with their ace striker Romelu Lukaku bagging five goals in eight games so far and Steven Naismith scoring three. The midfield has been equally good with Gareth Barry and James McCarthy assisting the defence and young Ross Barkley assisting the attack.
If Everton can improve in attack, then they could be a formidable opponent in spots for Europe by the end of the season.