Tag: genuine

19 October 2026 Off

Brighton: Are free-scoring Seagulls genuine Premier League title contenders?

By Total Football News

There are only seven previous instances of a team scoring 23 or more goals after seven games of a Premier League season. All bar one have gone on to finish in the top three, with Manchester City winning the title in 2011-12 and 2022-23.

The outlier? Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United team of 1994-95, who faded and finished sixth. Comparisons have already been drawn between that side, dubbed ‘The Entertainers’, and

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30 November 2025 Off

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Are Blues genuine title contenders?

By Total Football News

In simple terms, Chelsea are playing well – but not well enough to be champions.

Chelsea’s attack, even after losing Cole Palmer for more than two months through injury, is on the same level as Arsenal’s.

However, Arsenal’s incredible defensive statistics set them apart.

Historically, to win the title a team needs to average a +1 non-penalty expected goals (npXG) difference per game – meaning you are creating substantially more

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16 December 2024 Off

Chelsea ‘are not ready’ but are they genuine title contenders?

By Total Football News

Cole Palmer was largely on the periphery when he collected a title-winners medal in 2022-23, with 12 of his 14 appearances for Manchester City coming from the substitute’s bench that term.

But he has been a key player for Chelsea since arriving at the club in September 2023, with his form establishing him in the England squad and now propelling the Blues to within touching distance of top spot.

Arguably

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