Who are London’s Star Boys?

Sub-edited by Aldin Omerovic

With a third of the Premier League season gone, the three London clubs from the traditional “big six” have had fairly different starts to their campaigns. And with only 2 of these 3 team in the current six, now seems a suitable time to assess who has really been standing out for them.

They will be assessed on:

Their impact when playing and not playing
How much of a say they have in improving team performances
Statistics

Arsenal

Embed from Getty Images

With injury prone midfielder Thomas Partey being off the pitch more often than not, Mikel Arteta was adamant on breaking the bank for former West Ham captain Declan Rice, and it’s fair to say the £105m has paid off so far.

The 24-year-old Englishman has appeared in all 12 games for the gunners, and his dominance in midfield is ever present. He has an average pass completion of 88% and a tackle success rate of 81%. Rice has also chipped in with his fair share of goals, with, what felt like a winner, despite the gunners winning 3-1, against Manchester United, and his other goal earning them a point at Stamford Bridge.

His ability to read play, intercept and carry the ball has massively improved this Arsenal side this season, and they hope this contribution will lead them to lifting the long-awaited Premier League title

Chelsea

Embed from Getty Images

With over £240 million spent in Chelsea’s recent transfer window, and a new appointment all eyes were on them to perform. And despite currently sitting 10^th in the table, they have had some standout players, Cole Palmer being the main one.

With Riyad Mahrez’s recent move to Saudi Arabia, many thought this would be his time to stamp his authority in Pep’s side, but the Englishman saw a move to West London more beneficial for his career.

His intelligence, movement, creativity and versatility has arguably made him Chelsea’s best attacker has this year, and his time in Pep’s side has paid off. He has already recorded 6 G/A in 9 appearances for the Blues and has thoroughly earned his recent call up to the England team and will hope to carry these performances on to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros team.

Tottenham Hotspur

Embed from Getty Images

With Spurs’ main talisman and top goal scorer in Harry Kane finding a new home in Germany, many would have thought this campaign would have been yet another disappointing one, especially after failing to qualify for Europe Last season. However, a fresh start for Ange Postecoglou and his men has not proved to start off too badly, and new man James Maddison has arguably been the forefront for this.

The £40 million man has become a steal. His consistently great shifts have proved vital to this Spurs team and has massively improved them, with his importance showing with his absents contributing to 2 losses on the bounce for the North London side

He has already recorded 8 G/A in 11 games, and the 27-year-old will also hope this form carries on so he can also book a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.