Having the World Cup in the middle of the English Premier League season has split the campaign into two chapters. Heading into Matchday 26, The18 created an EPL table that only consists of results since the World Cup break.
The updated table shows how in form some teams are and accurately depicts how poor other teams have performed.
Here’s the table and some of the biggest surprises.
Updated EPL Table (Only results after the World Cup)
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Correction: Liverpool has 5 wins.
Fulham are a top team
Fulham have been out of this world since the restart of the league. The Cottagers have played one less game than the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal but are still only three points off. Fulham only managed 28 points in the entire 2020-21 EPL season, but now they've bagged 20 in their last 10 games.
The biggest reason for this recent success is the team’s stout defense led by USMNT defender Tim Ream. Fulham have only conceded five league goals since the World Cup which is tied for best in the league.
It'll be interesting to see if Fulham will be playing in Europe next season.
Chelsea’s horrendous form
Chelsea are three points clear of our table’s relegation zone. It’s March and the Blues have only recorded one victory across all competitions in 2023. This team is in shambles.
After new American owner Todd Boehly broke the bank on signing players it was thought that Chelsea were going to turn things around. They didn't.
On the bright side their goal differential in the league since the World Cup is only negative two. We thought it would’ve been way worse. Chelsea’s issue is simple: they can’t score. The Blues only scored once in all of February.
Luckily for Graham Potter and company, Christian Pulisic is eyeing a return to the pitch.
Three top teams tied at 23 points
It’s a shame that Manchester United had such a slow start to the season. In the real EPL table, the Red Devils are 11 points adrift from league leaders Arsenal. Imagine how exciting things will be if all three of Arsenal, City and United have a chance to finish as champions on the final day.
Erik ten Hag has his side flying and it’s always helpful to have someone as in form as Marcus Rashford. The English goal machine has scored in nine of United’s 10 league games since the World Cup. Scoring 10 goals in his last 10 EPL games is insane.
Right on Rashford’s heels is Erling Haaland and City. The Norwegian scoring machine has nine goals since the World Cup while City have scored more than any other team (24).
Arsenal are back on track after a slip in form that saw the Gunners go winless in three-straight league games, including a shock loss to Everton. The response to the poor results has been three wins in a row while outscoring opponents 9-2.
Newcastle can’t win games
Newcastle have only lost twice this season, yet in our updated table the Magpies sit all the way down in 12th. No team has drawn as many games as Newcastle since the World Cup. The draws aren’t enough, and the lack of goals tells that story.
In the first league game back from the World Cup, Newcastle smashed three past Leicester City. That was the day after Christmas. Since then, they’ve only managed to score three league goals.
Brentford undefeated
Only one team has managed to go unbeaten in the last four months and we doubt anyone expected it to be Brentford. The Bees can’t be beat despite facing the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Their goal scoring record is remarkable with 14 goals in just eight games. Brentford have played fewer games than just about everyone and still managed to crack the top six.
Don’t underestimate the Bees.
