International break causes frustration after thrilling weekend of Premier League action

11/11/2024 09:14 AM

There are so many fascinating Premier League questions following a hectic weekend and it is frustrating they won't begin to be answered until after the third international break of the fledgling season.

Talk to football fans in the high street, greasy spoons or pubs and they will all moan about the monthly interruption, with the vast majority expressing a preference to watch club rather than country.

That will be a constant right up to the World Cup in 2026, with supporters recognising it would take incompetence of the highest order not to reach the expanded finals which culminate in New Jersey.

The main talking points this week won't be about England's Nations League match with Greece in Athens but whether or not Manchester City's grip on the Premier League title is being significantly loosened following their defeat at Brighton, if Liverpool can cement their lead at the top of the table and whether Arsenal's draw at Chelsea means they are over their recent loss of form?

There will also be lots of conversations about Tottenham's defeat at home to Ipswich. Doctor Spurs have a knack of curing opponents’ problems as they have allowed both Crystal Palace and the Tractor Boys to celebrate their first league wins of the season at their expense.

Consider this: Tottenham lost to Newcastle in the last match before the September break, they were beaten by Brighton in the game before the October halt in proceedings and now they have folded against Ipswich in the game before the November internationals. Ange Postecoglou must be thankful there are no more disruptions until February.

Liverpool are five points clear of City and nine points ahead of the rest of the field with Chelsea, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Brighton only separated by goal difference.

It would be rash to suggest it's all over bar the shouting but the Reds have a deep, experienced squad and a manager in Arne Slot who has taken to top-tier English football like a duck to water.

They are a best price 13/10 with Paddy Power and Betfair to win the championship while City are 9/4 with the same firms along with Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill and many others. Arsenal are 4/1 with Betway, Sky Bet, Betfred and Hills and Chelsea are 18/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet and SpreadEx. 

Liverpool were the only club to have prevented City lifting the trophy in the last seven seasons and it's looking increasingly likely they will do so again.

• World No.1 Jannik Sinner improved his record this year to 66 wins and just six losses when he beat Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in his first round robin match at the ATP Finals in Turin on Sunday. Next up is a repeat of his US Open final victory over Taylor Fritz in September, and although the American will be bouncing after his 6-4, 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev, Sinner is no better than 8/15 with William Hill, bet365 and 888Sport to win in straight sets. Presuming the Italian wins 6-4, 6-4 the best bet is for under 20.5 total games which is 6/5 with Betway and Betfred.

• Michael van Gerwen is 8/1 with SpreadEx and Sporting Index to win the Grand Slam of Darts after defending champion Luke Humphries was eliminated from the tournament after two straight defeats in the group stages.

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