Who has been exceeding expectations this season in the Premier League? Here are ten of the biggest success stories so far…
Seven games in to the new Premier League season and the table is starting to take shape. But who has been overachieving and who has failed to reach the heights expected of them? Who has come through these first few games smelling like roses?
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Here are this season’s top Premier League success stories, according to Sky Sports
10) Alan Irvine
Very few people knew who Alan Irvine was before he took over at West Bromwich Albion, and he wasn’t expected to still be around after this long either.
While West Brom haven’t exactly been setting the Premier League alight this season, Irvine managed to steer them to back to back wins against Tottenham and Burnley.
It’s too soon to tell whether he will be a real success at the Hawthorns, but he’s definitely doing better than expected.
9) The Aston Villa Defence
Paul Lambert’s side were punching way above their weight earlier in the season, thanks in large part to their superb rearguard action and excellent counter attacking style.
They have lost all three of their last three games, although that’s hardly surprising when you consider they were up against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Alan Hutton and Philippe Senderos have been the shock revelations for the Villains this season, and heading into some easier fixtures Lambert will be hoping to restore that defensive stability.
8) Diafra Sakho
You often find some gems in football’s bargain basement, and West Ham certainly look to have found one in Sakho.
Not only has he scored five goals in five starts for the Hammers this season, but he has worked tirelessly for the team and looks to be a really solid addition to Sam Allardyce’s side.
7) Nacer Chadli
There were talks of Nacer Chadli being offloaded this summer, despite only spending a season at Tottenham.
Spurs will be glad they didn’t jump the gun however, considering Chadli has bagged four goals this season already, and looks to be relishing his new role in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
6) Leonardo Ulloa
Ulloa was something of a shock buy for Leicester City this season, with the newly promoted side paying £8m for the 28-year-old forward.
He has already begun to repay some of that substantial fee though, scoring five Premier League goals including netting during important fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United.
5) James Milner
The England international has often been a bit part player for Manchester City, but he has been a key member this season and his workrate and industry has been a vital part of the Citizens success.
He picked up the Man of the Match award during their hard fought draw against Chelsea, assisting Frank Lampard’s late goal allowing the ten-man team to salvage a point.
4) Manchester United Youngsters
United’s injury problems this season have forced Louis van Gaal’s hand somewhat, and he has been required to field some of the Academy’s youngsters on numerous occasions.
The likes of Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair have performed admirably however, and have even arguably staked a claim for permanent first team spots.
3) Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool man was in the unfortunate position of being brought in to Anfield during Kenny Dalglish’s English overhaul; a reinvention which saw the likes of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing join the club at around the same time.
The latter pair were an unmitigated failure though, and Henderson was rather unfairly tarred with the same brush.
He has steadily been improving over the years though, and has grown into an important part of the Merseyside machine.
2) Stewart Downing
Sam Allardyce claimed Stewart Downing was the best midfielder in the Premier League based on current form, and the stats surprisingly go a long way to agreeing with him.
He has already improved upon his goal tally from last season, and is creating a number of chances for his teammates as well.
With a new lease on life could Downing be set for a return to England?
1) Diego Costa
The unquestionable king of the season so far, Diego Costa has truly hit the ground running since joining Chelsea.
With nine goals in seven games, he is practically single handedly firing Chelsea to the top of the table.
If he can continue in this vein of form he is a shoe in for the Golden Boot this season.