Comeback kings Liverpool keep up the pace with Chelsea

With domestic leagues observing a break for the World Cup qualifiers today and next Wednesday, the following is a brief look at what has happened in the English Premier League after seven matches (Fulham and Manchester United have a game in hand).

Only two teams are still unbeaten in the top flight, joint leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.

Both are on a total of 17 points, having dropped four points each from a maximum of 21.

Chelsea's two draws came at Stamford Bridge: vs Tottenham (1-1) and Manchester United (1-1). Liverpool shared the spoils with Aston Villa (0-0) and at Anfield against Stoke (0-0).

At present, Chelsea are enjoying a better goal difference of plus five having scored in every match they played in league action so far.

The last five years saw Chelsea being crowned champions twice and finishing runners-up in the remaining three occasions. Liverpool's best position in the same period was two third placings.

Last summer, critics forecast another false dawning for Liverpool, particularly after the home draw against Stoke but the way ahead is still a long one as Manchester United and Arsenal should never be discarded in the race for the title.

Liverpool turned results in their favour four times when in arrears so far this season in the domestic scene and the Champions League.

Yet, the most impressive comeback came at Manchester City last weekend.

At half-time, Rafael Benitez's side were losing 0-2 but went on to win the game 3-2 with Fernando Torres scoring twice to take his goal tally to five at the top of the scorers list along with Jermaine Defoe, of Portsmouth, and Wigan's Amr Zaki.

Arsenal, in fourth place, are four points adrift of the leaders. They were shocked by Fulham (0-1, away) and newcomers Hull (1-2) at the Emirates Stadium. The other two-point loss came at Sunderland in a 1-1 draw.

Manchester United are eighth in the standings but have a game in hand (at home to Fulham) as they were engaged in the European Super Cup against Zenit earlier this season.

The Red Devils must also find another date for their encounter against Wigan at Old Trafford. This fixture is scheduled for December 20 but that week United will be engaged in the 2008 FIFA World Club Championship in Japan.

In the league, United dropped seven points: at home to Newcastle (1-1), another draw at Chelsea (1-1) and a 2-1 upset to Liverpool.

Now that ex-Spurs star Dimitar Berbatov is finding his feet, Alex Ferguson has a front-line bursting with talent. Along with Chelsea, United have scored in every league match they played.

Tigers on the prowl

Newcomers Hull City are proudly positioned third in the standings, three points behind Chelsea and Liverpool. Their only blemish this season was the 5-0 loss at the KC Stadium against Wigan. They also lost two points at Blackburn (1-1) and Everton (2-2).

North London giants Arsenal and Tottenham stutter in their boots when hearing about Hull who beat the two rivals away from home 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.

Hull found their place in the top flight via the play-offs, defeating Bristol City 1-0 in the final.

The other two promoted sides, champions West Brom and second-placed Stoke, experienced different fortunes.

Stoke are in the relegation zone, one place from bottom while West Brom are in ninth position following an incredible stretch of three straight Premier League wins, against West Ham (home 3-2), Middlesbrough (away 1-0) and Fulham (home 1-0).

Everton badly disappointed their fans so far.

Along with Tottenham, the Toffees are the other side not to win in front of their own fans in league commitments. Everton have gained a mere point at Goodison Park with the other seven points coming on their travels.

Home top 10 (points average per match played): 1. Aston Villa 2.33; 2. Liverpool 2.33; 3. West Ham 2.25; 4. Portsmouth 2.25; 5. Chelsea 2.00; 6. Arsenal 2.00; 7. Man. Utd 2.00; 8. Fulham 2.00; 9. Middlesbrough 2.00; 10. Man. City 1.50.

Away top 10: (points average per match played): 1. Chelsea 3.00; 2. Liverpool 2.50; 3. Hull City 2.50; 4. Everton 2.33; 5. Blackburn 2.00; 6. Arsenal 1.75; 7. Man. United 1.75; 8. Aston Villa 1.50; 9. Wigan 1.33; 10. Sunderland 1.33.